A few of you may remember back in 2006 when I broke some news about the Coup’s Boots Riley and Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave shredder Tom Morello teaming up for a new super-group, called Street Sweeper Social Club.

Well, it took long enough for ‘em to unveil their project to the world at large, but looks like it’s gonna be worth the wait based on their main stage set here at Sasquatch this afternoon.

SSSC has easily generated the biggest buzz on day two of the festival. The band’s self-titled debut is

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OK, so I’m finally connected and I’ve got a couple of things to report from Sasquatch. For starters, Live Nation has switched the layout around quite a bit. The comedy/dance stage has migrated to the field where the Wookie stage was last year and it’s a lot bigger and covered. I’m blowing off the massively annoying Tim & Eric’s performance there as we speak. And the Wookie stage is a lot bigger, too, and looks kind of like a scaled down version of the main stage.

I’ve been dealing with tech issues and have been trying to stay

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In case you haven’t guessed by now, I’ll be headed down I-90 to the ol’ Sasquatch Fest this weekend. It’s a no-brainer. All those amazing bands in one spot? That breathtaking backdrop? The fresh, desert air? I looove the S’quatch! It’s a highlight of my year every year. You know, in spite of the two-hour shower lines. And even when the weather gets all apocalyptic and whatnot, like the time hail and lightning chased Neko Case off the main stage a few years back. (Note to self: Think like Bear Gryls when you pack tonight.)

Anyway,

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OK, I feel a little guilty about spending so much blog space pimping Sasquatch this week. Hey, what can I say? I love the Gorge, Nine Inch Nails and TV on the Radio. Put ‘em all together and I get a little geeked.

But here are 10 Memorial Day weekend options that are closer to home and, frankly, cheaper. Click the links for more info:

Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival, featuring Rich Wetzel’s Groovin’ Higher Jazz Orchestra, Michael Powers, Charles White and more, Saturday @ Freighthouse Square, Varsity Grill and Harmon Brewery

…

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The South Sound Mix Tape just didn’t seem complete without something from the Ventures. You know, only the biggest and most influential band to hail from T-town. The version of “Surf Rider” I just posted comes from “Two Car Garage,” the 50th anniversary CD they recorded with fellow hometown heroes, the Wailers.

You can also click here to listen to some of my most recent interview clips with the Ventures’ Don Wilson and the Wailers’ Buck Ormsby …

… or here for a recap and set list from the 50th anniversary

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Federal Way’s Vince Mira may have just turned 17, but he’s already parlayed quite a bit with his spot-on Johnny Cash covers. The Teen in Black (a.k.a. Juanny Cash) mostly played for tips back in 2007, the year an appearance on Seattle’s Channel 5 led to gigs on "Good Morning America" and "Ellen: The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

Last year, Mira released his debut album, "Cash Cabin Sessions," which was produced by Johnny Cash’s son, John Carter Cash. His appearance at Pike Place Market’s 100th anniversary concert a while back

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Music fans who are sticking close to home for Memorial Day weekend will want to check out the sixth annual Tacoma Jazz and Blues Festival, which will take over three Tacoma venues on Saturday (May 23). The schedule is below. Click on the band and festival links for more info.

Big bands at Freighthouse Square

1 p.m. Johnny Lewis Big Band

2:30 p.m. Roadside Attraction

4 p.m. MOJO (Mukilteo’s Outrageous Jazz Orchestra)

5:30 p.m. Rich Wetzel’s Groovin Higher Jazz Orchestra

Jazz

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Two more acts I plan to check out at Sasquatch over Memorial Day weekend. Two more days, y’all!

The South Sound Blues Association’s Gary Grape sent me an updated lineup for the upcoming Back to Beale Street Blues competition this morning. The event will be held on June 7 at Jazzbones, and the aim is to pick local a local act to compete in the Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge, which is slated for Jan. 20 to 23 in Memphis.

Back to Beale Street Blues Competition lineup

Doors open at 1 p.m. June 7 at Jazzbones

Solo/duo acts

2 p.m. Malcolm Clark

2:30 p.m.

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Two more reasons to be geeked for Sasquatch this weekend. Here’s Erykah Badu performing her ethereal jam “The Healer.” She’ll hit the Gorge’s main stage at 7:30 p.m. Monday (May 25).

Last time I saw her, she was at Dave Chappelle’s Block Party show in Seattle. Hmmmm. Who else rocked it that day? Oh yeah! The mighty, mighty Mos Def, one of my favorite hip-hop lyricists of all time. His set is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday on the Wookie stage. But you never know. Maybe you’ll catch him

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