June Date Set for CD Release

June 16 is release date for Give Us a Song, the newest CD from Dean Phelps. The CD is the third release by Phelps, and the second full-length recording in which he has teamed with Indianapolis engineer and producer Steve Creech.

The release will be marked by a private release celebration at Center Stage Cafe in Indianpolis.

Give Us a Song contains twelve tracks that return to Phelps' acoustic Americana style. Featured tracks on the disc include an original by Phelps, If You Come Up Empty, and several new arrangements of traditional hymns. Phelps also goes back and reclaims a few songs from his earliest days as a solo performer, including Paul Simon's Feelin' Groovy and the Jonathan Edwards cover that provides the title track. Another centerpiece of the record is My Dog Jesus, a cleverly crafted story song by Kurt Fortmeyer, C.J. Watson and Al Detrolio.

Give Us a Song will be available on the artist's web site, www.deanphelpsmusic.com, as well as CD Baby and iTunes.

First Christian, Mooresville, to Host Concert on the Lawn

Local musicians will perform on the lawn in front of First Christian Church, Mooresville, Ind., on Saturday, May 17, from 11:00 until 3:00. The performances will be part of the church's annual Concert on the Lawn.

Included among this year's artists are the Indianapolis band, Joshua's Vision, and Greenwood singer-songwriter Dean Phelps.

Proceeds from the Concert on the Lawn will help the church in its ministry to purchase backpacks and supplies for local school children.

Center Stage to Host Fundraiser

Center Stage Cafe and Deli, 970 Fort Wayne Ave., Indianapolis, will host a fundraiser to benefit the Leon L. Jett Minority Family Admission Fund at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. The fundraiser at the cafe will be on Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The Fund’s mission acknowledges the late Leon Jett’s efforts to include the voices of African-Americans in telling the story of the American West, and honors Leon’s commitment to diversity and his outreach to those who often found themselves to be on the edges of society.

The event will feature food, live entertainment, children’s activities and the raffle of artwork created especially for the occasion. The entertainment lineup includes Urban Vibes drum ensemble, Tony Artis and friends, Summer Snow and The Shooting Stars Youth Clown Troupe, and the Inner City Music School—directed by Hazel Johnson Strong.

Tickets for the event are priced at $10.00 in advance and at the door. Children under 12 are admitted free. For ticket information contact Vivian Williams at (317) 319-3213-Cell or vivian.williams123@sbcglobal.net.

Parking the day of the event will be directly across the street from Center Stage Cafe on the American Red Cross parking lot, 441 East 10th Street.