*The C.H. Booth Library concert series continues tonight (July 13), at 7:30 pm, with MARY BETH SIPPIN AND THE DIAMOND SPURS. The Diamond Spurs combine styles of traditional and contemporary country, western swing and bluegrass to create a sound that is energetic and diverse. The concert will take place outdoors on the lawn behind the Newtown library, and admission is free. In the event of rain the concert will be indoors.

*As always, the new schedule from Acoustic Café in Bridgeport has some very promising shows coming up. This weekend will be the monthly WPKN benefit show, with proceeds going to the Bridgeport-based listener (and café, apparently) supported radio station. Rock-folk perform CHRISTINA ABBOTT has the honor of performing the benefit this month. Her show is Saturday, July 14, at 9 pm, and admission is $8.

The following weekend, alternative folk-rocker JENNIFER GEORGE is at the café (9 pm, $5 admission), and then local folk-rock bands THE LAUREN DELALLO BAND and MUDSTONE share the bill on July 26 (also 9 pm, $5). In August, HUBINGER STREET is one of the café’s big draws, with a show on August 17 (and yes, it’s at 9 pm with a $5 cover charge).

*THE NERDS will mark their 7th anniversary next weekend with a celebration gig on July 20, at Tuxedo Junction in Danbury. Sponsored by radio station i-95 FM, the show will include a free champagne toast courtesy of the band. Friday’s show will be last one by the band this summer at the club, by the way.

*Kevin and Michael Bacon spent a lot of time working on their performing name. The two have been performing around the state and regionally for years as THE BACON BROTHERS, and will be featured on July 19 at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

Actually, it was an invitation to perform at a hometown club in Philadelphia that was the impetus behind the creation of The Bacon Brothers. The audience response during the four years since the brothers’ first release, called Forosoco, has moved from groups of industry curiosity-seekers to those who appreciate what they see as a viable recording and touring act.

The brothers offer dynamic lyrics backed by solid melodies and harmonizing vocals. Live appearances across the country have included sold out concerts in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Nashville. Concert highlights have included opening for THE BAND at Carnegie Hall and TNT’s “The Gift of Song,” a benefit concert that also featured SHANIA TWAIN, WYCLEF JEAN, and others.

Showtime on July 19 is 8 pm. Tickets are $25 for the Mezzanine and Balcony areas, $35 for Orchestra seating.

The playhouse, which is also presenting a foreign film series that begins July 26 and a classical concert series beginning August 12, is at 80 East Ridge Avenue in Ridgefield, behind the Richard Venus Municipal Building (the old Ridgefield High School building). Want more information? Contact the playhouse’s box office at 203-438-5795.

*PHISH may not be on the road this summer (or ever again?…), but the Phish cover band LAWN BOY will be in New Haven later this month. The band will be at Toad’s Place on July 26.

There is a good write-up about Phish in the July-August issue of Yankee magazine. The story provides good, basic background and some complimentary writings, but couldn’t the magazine have found a photo more recent than something from 1995 with which to illustrate the story?

*Woodbury Ski Area is gearing up for its 29th Annual Rock n’ Reggae Festival this month. The two-day affair will be Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22. Gates open at noon and performances begin at 1:30 each day. Tickets are $22.50 in advance or $25 at the gate. Call 203-263-2203 or 203-263-2213 or visit www.WoodburySkiArea.com for details.

The festival will include constant performances by WAILING SOULS, MIGHTY DIAMONDS, BENAIAH, ONE WORLD TRIBE, LIVE FOR TODAY, THE ROBERT JACKSON BAND, DUDE OF LIFE, PETE SCHIEPS BAND and STRICTLY ROOTS. For specific performance times, visit the Web site or call either of the phone numbers above.

In addition to the music, the ski area will have arts and crafts and food vendors set up during the run of the festival. Additionally, a two-day skate competition will be going on for all ages and abilities. Street skating will be featured on Saturday, and then vertical skating is up on Sunday. Again, call the ski area for details on that.

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

Questions and comments should be sent to Shannon Hicks, c/o Bee Publishing Co., 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 06470, or shannon@thebee.com; or call The Bee office at 426-3141.

Shows listed on the calendar at club locations are for ages 21 and over unless specified.

UPCOMING CONCERTS

JULY 13 — Mary Sippin & The Diamond Spurs at C.H. Booth Library, Newtown (Summer Concert Series, free, 7 pm); Stevie Nicks at ctnow.com Meadows Music Center (few duets with Sheryl Crow), Jeffrey Gaines opening; Staind at Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford, Cold and Adema opening; Larry Garner at Black-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues Café, Hartford; Kristin Hersh at Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield; The Zoo at Tuxedo Junction;

July 14 — Paul Simon with Brian Wilson at ctnow.com Meadows Music Centre; “Walk Down Abbey Road” featuring Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson, Alan Parsons and John Entwistle at Mohegan Sun; Jerry Cantrell at The Webster Theater (rescheduled from May), Mirv and Swarm opening (all ages); Joe Rockstar at Tuxedo Junction; Trigger Effect, Vicious Cirkill and Boomslang at Players; Christina Abbott & Friends at Acoustic Café, Bridgeport;

July 17 — MTV’s TRL Tour featuring Destiny’s Child at ctnow.com Meadows Music Theatre; The Wallflowers at Foxwoods Casino’s Fox Theater, Uncasville; Boy Hits Car at Toad’s Place;

July 18 — CSA Songwriters’ Showcase at Acoustic Café, Bridgeport; Everclear at The Webster Theater, American Hi-Fi and Mayfield 4 at The Webster Theater, Hartford; Dennis Quaid & The Sharks at Foxwoods’ Fox Theater;

July 19 — Kip Winger at Toad’s Place; The Bacon Brothers at Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield;

July 20 — The Barenaked Ladies and Vertical Horizon at Meadows Music Centre, Action Figure Party and Sarah Harmer opening; 68 Comeback Special at Mohegan Sun Casino (trio led by Brian Setzer); Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials and Tab Benoit at Black-Eyed Sally’s; After Dark V at The Webster Theater featuring Atavus, Clip, Sibil and Medicated Savage (all ages); The Nerds at Tuxedo Junction (7th anniversary band celebration).

July 21 — Phil Lesh & Friends and Ratdog with Bob Weir (co-headlining) at Meadows Music Centre; The Doobie Brothers at Ives Concert Park, Danbury; Screaming Broccoli at Tuxedo Junction; Robert Jackson and Odds & Sods (Who tribute band) at Players; Jennifer George at Acoustic Café;

July 22 — “Walk Down Abbey Road” featuring Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson, Alan Parsons and John Entwistle at Oakdale Theatre; Tree and Nullset at The Webster Theater, Hyde, Clokseed and Powertripp opening (all ages);

July 24 — The Smithereens at Mohegan Sun Casino; Guided By Voices at Toad’s Place;

July 25 — Mystikal, Ginuwine, Jahem, Jagged Edge and Public Announcement at New Haven Coliseum (no ticket info yet);

July 26 — Buckcherry at The Webster Theater, Econoline Crush opening (all ages); Johnny Rawls at Black-Eyed Sally’s; Chicago at Foxwoods’ Fox Theater; Lawn Boy at Toad’s Place (Phish cover/tribute band); The Lauren Delallo Band and Mudstone at Acoustic Café;

July 27 — Our Lady Peace at The Webster Theater, Sinomatic opening (all ages); Chicago at the Oakdale Theatre; The Derek Trucks Band at Toad’s Place (all ages); Poppa Squat at Tuxedo Junction;

July 28 — Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Mohegan Sun Casino; John Sebastian & The J-Band at CityCenter Green, Danbury (free 7:30 show, rain location Danbury High School); Darik & The Funbags at Tuxedo Junction; Illface, Silencer and Dismay at Players;

July 29 — Collective Soul at The Webster Theater (all ages); James Cotton at Washington Park, Bridgeport (3 pm, free show).

AUGUST 1 —Pat Benatar at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge, Uncasville (free show);

August 2 —Survivor at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show); Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band at Mohegan Sun Casino;

August 3 —Dave Matthews Band at ctnow.com Meadows Music Centre, Hartford, Ben Kweller opening; Michael Burks at Black-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues Café, Hartford; Asia at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show); Huey Lewis & The News at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre; Simple Jim at Toad’s Place, Ink, Hype and Side Effect opening; Them Bones at Tuxedo Junction, Danbury;

August 4 —(SOLD OUT) Dave Matthews Band at ctnow.com Meadows Music Centre, Ben Kweller opening; Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang at Black-Eyed Sally’s; The Blackstones at Tuxedo Junction;

August 5 — OzzFest 2001 at Meadows Music Centre, featuring (Main Stage performers) Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson, Slipknot, Papa Roach, Linkin Park, Crazytown, (Second Stage performers) Mudvayne, Cold, Taproot, Union Underground, Systematic, Nonpoint, American Head Charge, Drowning Pool, Pure Rubbish, Hatebreed, Beautiful Creatures, Black Label Society, Otep, Godhead, Boy Hits Car, et al;

August 6 — Bill Wyman & The Rhythm Kings at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show);

August 9 — Eddie Money at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show);

August 10 — Rod Stewart at Meadows Music Centre; The Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings at Black-Eyed Sally’s; Gargantua Soul at Toad’s Place (all ages);

August 11 — Janet Jackson at the Hartford Civic Center (date changed from August 14, tickets with original date will be honored);

August 12 — Bela Fleck & The Flecktones at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford, Keb’ Mo’ opening (no tickets yet);

August 16 — Jethro Tull at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre; Starship at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show); The Robby Krieger Band at The Webster Theater, Hartford (all ages show by band led by former Doors member);

August 17 — River City Slim and The Zydeco Hogs at C.H. Booth Library, Newtown (Summer Concert Series, free, 7 pm); The Beach Boys at Ives Concert Park, Danbury; Hubinger Street at Acoustic Café, Bridgeport;

August 18 — matchbox twenty at Meadows Music Centre, Train opening;

August 20 — Crosby, Stills & Nash at Meadows Music Centre (no ticket info yet);

August 21 — Southside Johnny at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show);

August 22 — The Beach Boys at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre, America opening; CSA Songwriters’ Showcase at Acoustic Café, Bridgeport; David Fosters & The Mohegan Sun All-Stars at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show);

August 23 — Godsmack and The Deftones (co-headlining) at Meadows Music Centre, Puddle of Mudd and CKY opening; Aaron Carter at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre, The A*Teens and Leslie Carter opening; Joan Jett at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show); Lil’ Brian Terry & The Zydeco Travelers at Black-Eyed Sally’s;

August 24 — Nils Lofgren at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show); DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid with Matthew Shipp at Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield;

August 26 — The Allman Brothers Band at Meadows Music Centre, Susan Tedeschi opening;

August 29 — The B.B. King Blues Festival at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre, with King, Buddy Guy, John Hiatt and Tommy Castro; Kansas at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Lounge (free show);

August 30 — The B.B. King Blues Festival at Mohegan Sun Casino;

August 31 — Johnny Rawls at Black-Eyed Sally’s; Styx at Foxwoods Casino’s Fox Theater, Uncasville.

SEPTEMBER 1 —The Yes Symphonic Tour at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre, Wallingford;

September 3 —radio 104 Fest 2001 at ctnow.com Meadows Music Center featuring Blink 182, Alien Ant Farm, Sum41, Scapegoat Wax, Newfound Glory, Prime S.T.H., Stereomud, et al; The Yes Symphonic Tour at Ives Concert Park, Danbury;

September 7 — REO Speedwagon at Foxwoods Casino’s Fox Theater, Uncasville;

September 9 — Alabama at ctnow.com Oakdale Theatre;

September 12 — John Mellencamp at Meadows Music Centre, Hartford, The Wallflowers opening;

September 13 — Anthony Gomes at Black-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues Café, Hartford;

September 14 — Anthony Gomes and Walter Trout & The Radicals at Black-Eyed Sally’s;

September 19 — CSA Songwriters’ Showcase at Acoustic Café, Bridgeport;

September 28 — The Nerds at Toad’s Place, New Haven.

OCTOBER 6 — Walter “Wolfman” Washington & The Roadmasters at Black-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues Café, Hartford;

October 8 — Joe Strummer at The Webster Theater, Hartford (all ages);

October 11 — Magic Slim & The Teardrops at Black-Eyed Sally’s;

October 12 — Ben Allison & The Medicine Wheel at Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield;

October 13 —America at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville;

October 24 — CSA Songwriters’ Showcase at Acoustic Café, Bridgeport.

NOVEMBER 2 —Popa Chubby at Black-Eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues Café, Hartford;

November 3 —Tower of Power at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville;

November 6 — Tower of Power at Toad’s Place, New Haven;

November 16 — The Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio at Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefeield (two shows, 7 and 9:30 pm);

November 21 — CSA Songwriters’ Showcase at Acoustic Café, Bridgeport.

DECEMBER 19 — CSA Songwriters’ Showcase at Acoustic Café, Bridgeport.