RunawayJim.org

The schedule was posted for the Newport Folk Festival.  I now have to figure out who I want to see.  Perhaps some of you readers know some of the acts and can point me in the right direction.

View Schedule

I plan on seeing the Cowboy Junkies, Trey (if he plays Runaway Jim, I will cream in my pants), and the Black Crowes on the first day.  I want to see both Richie Havens and Jakob Dylan, so I’ll likely watch half of each.

The second day is more confusing… I know I’m going to check out Levon Helm (The Band is probably my favorite group ever, aside from Phish, of course), though I will check out the first half of the Son Volt set, and I know we’ll end up at the Buffett set, completely skipping the Avett Brothers to hopefully scout out a good seat for Jimmy (pun intended).

This is my first music festival ever.  I wish they had set times the same for each stage, and no overlapping sets (though I guess that’s so they don’t end up with set breaks on all 3 stages at the same times).  If any of you readers wouldn’t mind taking a look at the schedule and give your suggestions in the comments, I’d greatly appreciate it.  When I have the time, I plan on looking up each of the artists and figuring out who sounds the most interesting.

I suppose I should also print out a copy of the schedule to bring with me so I know who it is I’m watching.  Anyway, thanks in advance for the suggestions (Jenny, I’m hoping you actually read this and make some suggestions).

Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank introduced a bill today that would allow possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana.  He obviously met with some opposition, mostly from Republicans and the DEA (who would lose a big part of their job).  This is a step in the right direction.  Many more people are arrested for marijuana possession than are for violent crimes.  The taxpayers have spent too much money fighting a losing battle in this war on drugs, especially when it comes to marijuana.  The laws against marijuana are some of the most destructive laws on the books today.  If someone is arrested for simple possession, even if he serves no jail time, he can lose his job, his affordable housing, his welfare benefits, or financial aid for college.  The Republicans, who fight for smaller government, want more government oversight on this.  How ironic.  They choose their stances only when it suits them.

Anyway, the time is now.  This is an important bill.  Call, write, contact your representatives in the House and urge them to support HR 5843.

More information at CNN and NORML.