New England

Headliners: Donna the Buffalo, Marcia Ball, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys

Notables: CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Danny Barnes Trio, Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women, Geoff Muldaur and the Texas Sheiks, Little Freddie King, Preston Frank, Red Stick Ramblers, Uncle Earl

Comment: The closest you can get to New Orleans without leaving New England, R&R typically supplements its regular cast of Cajun and zydeco stars with purveyors of other roots styles. It's a treat that Uncle Earl is back on the circuit after two years of absence. Geoff Muldaur's reprise of the old Jim Kweskin songbook is not to be missed. The Kind of California doesn't come East a lot, so grab this chance to see Dave Alvin with his Guilty Women. Expect a few more enticing names before the lineup is done.

Kelly Clarkson, The Bangles, The Go-Go’s, Courtyard Hounds (Emily Robison and Martie Maguire of the Dixie Chicks), Martina McBride, Suzanne Vega, Anjulie, Anya Marina, Jesca Hoop, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lucy Schwartz, Miranda Lee Richards, Nikki Jean and The Rescues

The returning Lilith Tour, already boasting an eye-popping, genre-busting lineup of top female artists, added a bakers dozen new acts, including some major names.

Kelly Clarkson, The Bangles, The Go-Gos, Martina McBride, Suzanne Vega and the newly formed Court Yard Hounds with Dixie Chicks sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire top the second round list.

Also named wer Anjulie, Anya Marina, Jesca Hoop, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lucy Schwartz, Miranda Lee Richards and Nikki Jean and The Rescues.

The total lineup now numbers 63 and includes other star names like tour founder Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, Miranda Lambert, Colbie Caillat, Ke$ha, Emmylou Harris, Sugarland and Sara Bareilles.

When Nateva Music & Camping Festival revealed its plans last month to produce "New England's premiere Jam-based music festival," observers were not quite sure what to expect. Now that the first round of the lineup has been revealed--with Further featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, The Flaming Lips and moe. heading the list--that description appears to be reasonably accurate.

The other acts named in the first round are Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Band, Keller Williams, Lotus, Moonalice and Zappa Plays Zappa--all name bands and strong draws for the new festival.

Of course, the lineup is just one ingredient for a successful new festival, but this one now has instant credibility. With the festival's jam credentials established, we'll be watching to see how the rest of its declared genre mix--including country, folk, reggae, classic rock and indie--comes together.

Ticket sales opened for the 2010 Tanglewood season, including the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, on February 14. The season begins on June 26 with a live broadcast of Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keilor and follows with a full schedule of performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops throughout July and August. The prestigious summer series also includes a handful of popular music concerts, including a much anticipated joint appearance by James Taylor and Carole King.

The season ends over Labor Day weekend with the annual running of Tanglewood Jazz, featuring performances by Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, The Lengendary Count Basie Orchestra and lots more. Reserved seating prices range from $18 to $115; one day lawn passes are priced at $34. For complete information

Langiappe Productions presents its 18th Annual Cajun & Zydeco Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, February 13, in Cranston RI. Louisiana favorites Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band and Hot Tamale Brass Band will be joined by jam band Donna the Buffalo for a raucous night of Mardi Gras fun, running 6 pm to midnight at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet.

A highlight of the evening is the annual costume contest. Many of the attendees come dressed up in full regalia (you don't have to but its fun). Prizes are given in a variety of categories. For complete information