*Sad news in the recently music world: On Monday, January 10, the Gathering of the Vibes festival lost its crowd-rallying, on-stage “Voice of the Vibes,” co-emcee Michael J. Potashnick. The news of his sudden passing sent ripples throughout the New England arts and music community.

Organizers have announced that two gatherings will take place to honor and celebrate the life of the 52-year old producer who died from pneumonia. The first gathering, organized by a collaborative group of his extended Burlington production family, will take place Sunday, February 13, from 2 to 5 pm, at Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main Street in Burlington, Vt. Friends and family are invited to join together for an afternoon of storytelling, remembrance and celebration.

Hosted by Gathering of the Vibes, the second celebration will take place Sunday, February 20, on the campus of the University of Bridgeport’s Arnold Bernard Center from 3 to 9 pm. The Bridgeport gathering will include live music and dedications by some of Michael’s favorite artists.

Those planning to attend either event are requested to RSVP online at AtomicProAudio.com/mikep.html or, for the Bridgeport event you can also call 203-908-3030 or send email to steph@gatheringofthevibes.com. Those wanting to make contributions in Michael’s memory are asked to kindly donate to his favorite charities The United Way and the SoNo Arts Festival in Norwalk.

A slideshow photo tribute in memory of Michael can be viewed on the Vibes home page, www.GoVibes.com.

*Pop superstar KATY PERRY has officially announced dates for her upcoming California Dreams World Tour, in support of her platinum-selling sophomore album Teenage Dream, and (obviously if I’m mentioning it here) she is going to be bringing that tour to Connecticut for a performance at Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, June 25, at 7:30 pm. Special guest Mariana & The Diamonds will be opening.

All tickets are $45 and go on sale Saturday, January 29, at 10 am, through TicketMaster.  If this show somehow doesn’t sell out during its first 24 hours, tickets will also be available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office beginning on Sunday, January 30th, subject to availability.

Perry is planning on interacting with fans through social media networks throughout the tour. Using Facebook Places/Deals, fans will be able to check in to the venues each night to receive special treats. Fans will also be able to submit their own photos of the show via Twitter which will be incorporated into the live show and also live on KatyPerry.com.

*Three-time Grammy winner HARRY CONNICK, JR will brings his impressive and varied talent to the MGM Grand at Foxwoods on Friday, April 22, at 8 pm. Tickets are $65, $80, and $90, and will be on sale Friday morning (January 28) at 10 am, throughMGMatFoxwoods.com or foxwoods.com, by calling the MGM Grand Box Office at 866-646-0609, in person at the MGM’s box office, and through TicketMaster.

*Also, while I don’t have the prices available yet I can tell you that tickets for the June 26 show at the same venue by DARIUS RUCKER will be going on sale next Friday at 10 am.

*New shows announced by Fairfield Theatre Company include STEP KIDS and NICO’S GUN, February 12; DARIA MUSK, February 19; ASSEMBLY OF DUST, April 1; and LEE BOYS, May 5.

Tickets are $12 each for those first two shows, $25 for the third, and $22 for Lee Boys, and all are on sale. Call 203-259-1036   or visit FairfieldTheatre.org for more details or reservations.

Until next week, I’ll be seeing you… on the road.

Questions and comments should be sent to Shannon Hicks c/o The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or shannon@thebee.com, or call the office at 426-3141. Shows listed at clubs are for ages 21 and over unless specified.

UPCOMING SHOWS

JANUARY 28 — Less Than Jake at The Webster, Hartford, The Supervillians and Off With Their Heads opening; Disturbed and Korn at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Sevendust and In This Moment opening; Rhythm Authority at The Georgetown Saloon, Redding; Old School at Proud Mary’s, Newtown; Robert Plant at The MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Mashantucket; Dickey Betts & Great Southern at The Ridgefield Playhouse;

January 29 — The Jay Willie Band at The One-Eyed Pig, Newtown; Woofstock at Toad’s Place, New Haven, featuring With a Twist, This Time Down, Gate House Blues, Bring the Knife, Twice Removed and Solar Angels (doors open at noon, fundraiser for Bikers Against Animal Cruelty);

January 31 — Joshua Radin at Toad’s Place.

FEBRUARY 3 — Enrique Iglesias at The MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Mashantucket;

February 4 — John Mellencamp at The Palace, Waterbury; Johnny Winter at Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk; Railroad Earth at Toad’s Place, New Haven;

February 5 — Thirty Seconds To Mars at the Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford;

February 9 — Rusted Root at Infinity Music Hall;

February 10 — Paula Cole at Infinity Music Hall.