Thanks to a friend (you know who you are!) I opened my mailbox the other day to this very nice surprise. Contained in the package was a copy of David Katz’s People Funny Boy: The Genius of Lee “Scratch” Perry, which I am now reading in anticipation of his performance at the Nelsonville Music Festival. Perry will headline the Saturday evening show.

I had already had plans to attend the festival but my excitement grew ten fold when Lee “Scratch” Perry, who I have long been a fan of, was announced as a performer. Curated by the individuals behind Stuart’s Opera House, the festival boasts quite an exciting and eclectic lineup with—to name just a few—Andrew Bird, M Ward, Iron and Wine, Shovels and Rope, the Ohio University Symphony Orchestra, the Lee Ranaldo Band, Jorma Kaukonen as well as the legendary Roky Ericson on the bill (Bad Brains had also originally been slated to appear, though disappointingly had to cancel. They have since been replaced by Guided By Voices as headliner for Friday night). The festival will take place Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20 in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio.

As for the book, as I delve into it, I feel like I already have one foot in the door to what is stacked up to be quite an exciting festival.