Play List

With this summer’s series of free Downtown concerts fast approaching, older (and younger) readers have asked me about some of the scheduled talent. To help you (and me) get ready for this eclectic line-up, I asked my own kids, Claire Rainford, and the more musical among the MayorSlay.com crew to send along a primer for your iPod.

Here are their suggestions:

B5: Essential: "Get’cha Head in the Game"/Next Step: "U Got Me"

Jason Mraz: Essential: "You and I Both"/Next Step: "Did You Get My Message"

Hootie and the Blowfish: Essential: "Only Wanna Be With You"/Next Step: "One Love"

Sister Hazel: Essential: "All for You"/Next Step: "Come Around"

Better Than Ezra: Essential: "Good"/Next Step: "Juicy"

India.Arie: Essential: "Video"/Next Step: "I am Not My Hair"

Big Head Todd: Essential: "Resignation Superman"/Next Step: "It’s Alright"

Toad the Wet Sprocket: Essential: "All I Want"/Next Step: "Walk on the Ocean"

Cheap Trick: Essential: "I Want You to Want Me"/Next Step: "Welcome to the World"

Lyle Lovett: Essential: "Don’t Touch My Hat"/Next Step: "Her First Mistake"

Grand Funk Railroad: Essential: "The Loco-Motion"/Next Step: "We’re an American Band"

Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Essential: "Midnight Rider"/Next Step: "Blue on Black"

Edwin McCain: Essential: "I Could Not Ask for More"/Next Step: "Holy City"

If you disagree with these selections, talk to Claire or Janie P.