I know nobody wants to think about February at this time of year. Especially not me, considering how long it took for Seattle to get in the swing of summer weather. But, February is a little more fun to think about when you factor in a seven-day Carribbean cruise featuring a slew of extraordinary singer-songwriters. We're talking Patty Griffin, Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Shawn Colvin, Indigo Girls, Brandi Carlile, Buddy Miller, Mindy Smith, Joe Ely, Girlyman, and 14 others (and probably more—they're still taking submissions for bands that would like to join the lineup).

Personally, this sounds like heaven on a boat to me. Tickets are on sale now, and aren't bad, considering what you get for the money. Did anyone go last year? I've only heard good things. Learn more about Cayamo at their Web site.

Patty Griffin - Children Running Through © ATO Records

The American folk music revival of the mid-20th Century is an interesting topic. There are all sorts of factors that inspired and influenced it, and this book takes an interesting angle—pointing to the influence of Rounder Records and the American Folk Alliance.

Starting with the early days of the revival, and following the evolution of American folk music to its present day incarnation, the story told in this book is a captivating one. But, the book itself may be a bit laborious for casual readers simply interested in the evolution of the movement. Read my full review of The Never-Ending Revival

image © University of Illinois Press