Artifacts 7/1/05

Band inks distribution deal with metal label

Cape Girardeau band Drivin' Rain has signed a distribution deal with metal label Perris Records that will send the band's music around the world. The record label services hundreds of stations throughout Europe, North America and Latin America, giving Drivin' Rain's music a chance to be heard in markets outside the United States. The band was formed in 1994 and has since become a regional touring act, releasing its first full-length CD in 2004.

Bluegrass series with local bands airs on WSIU

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Starting July 7, WSIU public television in Carbondale will begin a six-part series recorded at the Harrisburg Bluegrass Festival in Harrisburg, Ill., last fall. The series will air on Thursdays at 8 p.m. July 7, 14 and 21 and Aug. 4, 11 and 18. The broadcasts will include bands from Southeast Missouri.

Friday night opening at The Artist Studio

A First Friday Opening for the Arts will be held today from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at The Artist Studio, 38A N. Main St. in downtown Cape Girardeau. This exhibit will showcase watercolors that were created in a June workshop and will feature artwork by Joe Boguslawski and Sheryl Dunavan. Worskhops in papermaking and watercolor for adults and drawing and painting for children are scheduled for July. For more information, call 651-4464.

Festival guide available from arts council

The Missouri Arts Council's "2005 Guide to Missouri Festivals" is now available. The publication features information on about 200 fairs, festivals and community celebrations with a variety of activities. The guide is free of charge and can be obtained by calling the Missouri Arts Council at (314) 340-6845.

Strolling bands hit the riverfront at Libertyfest

Steve Schaffner will be a traveling one-man music show at Libertyfest Monday evening, walking through the crowds with his fiddle in hand. Schaffner will also join Kevin Danzig for a performance of "The Great Mississippi," and Quitman McBride III will sing several tunes, including the national anthem. Those performances will take place from 6:45 to 8 p.m. Other featured musicians will be the Strolling Dixieland Band from 7 to 8 p.m. and the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band from 8:15 to 9 p.m.

Troopers association begins ticket sales

The Missouri State Troopers Association is beginning ticket sales for its semiannual benefit concert to be held Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Farmington Civic Center. The concert will feature country artist Ricky Van Shelton and "Nashville Star" finalist Lance Miller. Tickets are available by calling (866) 906-6782.

Butler County Fair has booths for merchants

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Butler County Fair will be held Aug. 24 through 27 at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff. Merchants can have booths on Aug. 26 and 27, assigned on a first-come first-served basis. For more information, contact Cathy Burnett at (573) 776-6675 or Dale Burnett at (573) 785-5746.

-- From staff reports