Today is the last day for Erie-area rock fans to vote for their favorites to win RockErie Music Awards.
After today, the votes will be tabulated, then kept in a bank vault far, far away from the Joker and remain a closely-guarded secret until the ceremony is held Aug. 24 at the Bayfront Convention Center.
That ceremony will include not only the fan-voted winners in assorted categories such as blues and jazz but also the first Dr. Rock award for best local CD.
So, make sure you go to rockeriemusicawards.com and vote.
The Rolling Stones' concert film "Shine a Light" -- directed by Martin Scorsese -- will arrive on DVD on Tuesday. It's a must-see for Stones (and Scorsese fans), a thrillingly shot film that puts you practically right on stage while the Stones turn in a fiery, ferocious set at the intimate Beacon Theatre in New York.
Buddy Guy''s guest spot on "Champagne & Reefer" is staggeringly good, while Jack White and Christina Aguilera also appear. The DVD will include four performances not included in the original film -- "I'm Free," "Little T&A," "Paint It Black," and "Undercover of the Night."
And, speaking of the Stones, Billboard reported today that they're leaving EMI for a deal with Universal that includes back catalog and future CDs. That's cool news because we can now assume they have a future.
Also, the European Rolling Stones' fan site -- which is usually pretty reliable -- reports the Stones may tour again as soon as late 2009. That opens the door for a much talked-about Faces' reunion before then which would include Ron Wood and Rod Stewart. But nothing's certain on that Faces' reunion -- it's still speculation.
Fleetwood Mac has announced it will tour in 2009 but not with Sheryl Crow, who had told interviewers she'd hit the road with them. That won't happen.
Up for a road trip? Peter Frampton plays a free outdoor show tonight (Friday) at Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, N.Y.
This is also the weekend for the Pittsburgh Blues Festival at Hartwood Acres. Headliners include Tab Benoit, Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers, Sweaty Betty Blues Band (today), Taj Mahal and Joanna Connor Band (Saturday), and Tommy Castro Band, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, and Jill West and the Blues Attack (Sunday). See www.pghblues.com for more details.
Terry Lee Goffee -- a Johnny Cash tribute artist -- will headline the Albion Area Fair on Sept. 13.
Don't forget: This is a Buggin' State St. night. I hope that doesn't mean we're inundated with Volkswagens tonight.