WEAKEND PLANNER RECOMMENDS
A DIET RICH IN IRON

This weekend it’s all about Ironman, and of course Stagecoach for the country music loving folks out there. Also be sure to check out my music band spotlight for three really great bands. Much love goes out to my father, as he just underwent eye surgery and is at home recovering. We wish him a healthy and speedy recovery. I love you, Dad

Stagecoach Country Music Festival @ Empire Polo Field, Indio
Friday night features The Eagles, John Fogerty, Trisha Yearwood, Shelby Lynne, Mike Ness, Glen Campbell , Michelle Branch and more.
Saturday night features Rascal Flatts, The Judds (reunion), Taylor Swift, Dwight Yoakam, Earl Scruggs and more.
Sunday night features Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, George Jones, Trace Adkins, Jerry Douglas and more.
For more info and set times, check out: www.stagecoachfestival.com.

THE HOTTEST SHOWS OF THE WEAKEND
Fri., May 2nd
Blind Melon @ The El Ray Theatre, L.A.
B-52's @ Louisville Waterfield Park, Louisville, KY
The Hold Steady @ Webster Hall, N.Y.

Sat., May 3rd
Alterbridge @ House of Blues, Chicago
Garrison Starr @ Borders, N.Y.
OPM @ The Viper Room - West Hollywood, CA

JE-C’S NEW-MOVIE WEAKEND SPOTLIGHT
Iron Man: By the time you guys read this, I will have already seen this movie, and from the early word, I hear it’s amazing—a superhero movie that has depth, character and intelligence, not to mention a lot of kick-ass action. With a killer cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard and Jeff Bridges, this movie is sure to launch the summer blockbuster season in style.

Also opening this week:
Made of Honor: Total chick flick and, due to my wife having girls’ night out, I lucked out in not having to go to this one.

JE-C’S HOT NEW BANDS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Science & Fiction is a modern-rock group based in Hollywood, Florida, with worldwide ambitions and a uniquely refined sound. The band is rapidly making a name for itself by fusing the best elements of alternative, mainstream rock, industrial, classic rock and pop; all while winning the hearts and ears of listeners around the world by means of Internet promotion, radio play, independent distribution and word of mouth. To sum them up, they’re an Alice in Chains for a new generation; lead singer Rick Bauer has been described as Layne Staley reborn. The band currently has endorsement deals with Line 6 and Peavey amps. Their forthcoming album's 12 tracks were produced and recorded entirely independently in a privately owned commercial recording facility (C5 Studios). The weasels have started sniffing around, and the group definitely warrants keeping an eye on. Check them out: www.myspace.com/scienceandfiction.

Other emerging bands to check out:
The Airborne Toxic Event: I was privy to some of their music, and I must say it’s quite sensational. They’re more of an artsy band, which is right up my alley, and I think they could be around for a while. They just signed to Shout! Factory and were lucky enough not to have to sign a 360 deal. The single” Sometime around Midnight” is spinning on the radio now, and if you haven’t had the privilege to check them out, you should.

16 Frames: The L.A. -based group is quite similar to The Fray, and after listening to the whole album several times, I’ve gotta say that it’s one of the best I’ve heard in ages. Loaded with really good songs, the album has a great feel to it, and I think it will appeal to people who like all different genres of music. You can sample some tracks at www.myspace.com/16frames, and the album is available at the iTunes Store.