Aargh.....I finally decided it was time to migrate the blog over to the new Blogger templates...supposedly functionality is easier. Some is easier, some is not. So please bear with me as I fiddle around with the look. If those of you who signed up for e-mail actually get an e-mail about this, I'll at least know I'm having some migration success. And if you haven't signed up for e-mail......come on now, what's the problem? The only e-mail you'll receive by doing this is the one that tells you when I've updated my blog! How could you not want that? Oh, what.....you want to waste your time by checking back every single day? You could be using that time to search for something else......like this attractive Aquarium Sink that you really must have for your bathroom remodel. Random, I know.....I'm tired. Good night.

I can't believe it but, yes, I am going to write about yet another event happening this weekend. It is the Laurel Village Summer Solstice Music Festival. There will be 65 musical groups performing at sites along MacArthur Boulevard (I'm guessing between the two arches....35th Ave. to High St.) and surrounding Laurel Elementary School from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. If you're not familiar with the area, think "original" Farmer Joe's, and my personal favorite, World Ground Cafe, where I spent many, many, many afternoons studying during graduate school, as it was easy access off I-580 on my way to pick up Ry & Si at school. They have organic, fair trade coffee, pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads. Plus - free wireless internet. Between World Ground and A'Cuppa Tea in Berkeley, I'm not sure where I spent more time or which I liked better........but I digress. Check out the festival and come out and support the Laurel District.

For the next two weekends (Th-Sat, June 21-24 & June 28-July 1), there are showings of Muppets, Music & Magic at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The daytime screenings feature films for younger audiences, while evening programs focus on Henson’s experimental work, rarities, and films for older kids and all the adults who never grew up. We rented the original Muppet Movie (1979) last fall for an outdoor showing in our backyard outdoor theatre, and I must say it held up very nicely. Speaking of our outdoor theatre, we screened Born Free (1966) last month and it was a huge hit with the 6-10 crowd. Boys and girls alike, by the way. It's an absolutely beautiful movie, from cinematography to acting to, of course, the gorgeous animals.

It's that time of year! The Summer Solstice Concert at Chapel of the Chimes! What's that? You say you don't know about this? Chapel of the Chimes is a beautiful Julia Morgan-designed columbarium.....yes really. They have taken it upon themselves to create the ultimate in venue repurposing...... concerts for the living, set amongst the dead. It's brilliant, really. And not only do they do a summer solstice concert, but they also do a candlelit winter solstice concert. You must be prepared, however, to stretch your narrowly defined idea of what a concert should be. Read through this Berkeley Daily Planet article to give you some insight as to what it's all about. We discovered Ya Elah at this concert about four years ago and fell in love with their beautiful music. We bought their CD when it came out and have practically worn it out. The picture I've chosen here is 100% right on the money as to the vibe of the event. Bring all ages and watch them wander. I did spend some time looking for the 2nd (very small) child of one friend last year, so be prepared to be extra vigilant - it's very labrynth-esque. However, it's also very safe, as many families are there, and we were never really worried. June 21, 5pm-9pm at 4499 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland. If you go, let me know what you think!

New Music Recommendations: Run, don't walk, to get Angélique Kidjo's new CD Djin Djin. Lots of duets with people like Joss Stone, Peter Gabriel, Ziggy Marley and Santana. Listen to this track called Lonlon which is a vocal rendition of Ravel's Bolero. Absolutely beautiful.

Another good one is the new Pink Martini CD Hey Eugene! This is my third reference to Pink Martini on this blog, so get on it already.

And apparently I've been under a rock for awhile, because I've only just discovered Amy Winehouse. Her voice is soothing in a raspy-too-much-bourbon-at-age-23 kind of way. Another definite must-have.

Man, this looks like total chick-music review. But Scott grooved on all these ladies and dug them too. If you have any recommendations, here's a novel idea......hit the comments button and tell me who you like right this minute. And if you haven't done so yet (and why haven't you) - sign up for e-mail!!!!!

On Tuesday, June 5 there is a great opportunity to take a moment to help out the Alameda County Food Bank. Tuesday is National Hunger Awareness Day and there will be an Empty Bowls event from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Food Bank, 7900 Edgewater Drive in Oakland. The family-friendly event features Chef Ann Cooper, Renegade Lunch Lady (Berkeley, natch), as the keynote speaker. Guests will be invited to select a hand-painted bowl to take home as a reminder of hunger and the empty bowls in the community. A silent auction will feature ceramic pieces from local artists and gift certificates from local businesses. Delicious soup and bread is being donated by the San Francisco Soup Company and Semifreddi's Bakery. If you don't live in this area, check out the original Empty Bowls website to see the history of the idea, and to find an event in your area.

If you aren't able to attend an Empty Bowls event, check out the KQED Food Blog for other ideas on how to support people in need on National Hunger Awareness Day.