In case you hadn't heard, I've got a new album coming out on Friday, May 19. It's called "Clown With A Stick," and it's an all-instrumental album with both jazz and klezmer and includes familiar classics and some brand-new original compositions.

I'll be SLIGHTLY increasing the frequency of these messages for a few weeks after the album is released, just so I can try to make back a small percentage of what I've invested in it. So stay tuned for a LOT more on the new record.

But until then, I've got some very cool live shows to tell you about. Oh, and as an added bonus, if you come to any of them, you can pick up a copy of the new album as an obsolete CD BEFORE the hoi polloi get their grimy little hands on it.

Saturday, May 13 -- A new-to-me venue that I've been hearing great things about -- The Brookeville Beer Farm. Located smack dab in the middle of Montgomery County, they've got an impressive collection of microbrews as well as their own brick-oven pizza!

I'll be playing from 5:30 to 8:30 pm with guitarist Christie Macdonald and bassist Annie Bailey. Jazz AND klezmer. No cover!

Then, all next week, I'm delighted and honored to be this year's "Musician-in-Residence" for JxJ - The Washington Jewish Music and Film Festival held at the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center in Washington, DC.

I'll be featured in three different concerts next week. Advanced ticket purchase for these shows are a MUST!

Monday, May 15 -- Strathmore @ JxJ

An eclectic evening of music from Jewish composers and songwriters featuring current and recent Artists in Residence (AIR) at Strathmore. Featuring current AIR’s Erin Murphy Snedecor (cello), Dominique Bianco (vocals), and recent AIR alum Alex Hamburger (flute/vocals). An exciting multi-genre evening featuring the stars of tomorrow! And yes, I'll be a guest performer for much of the evening.

Tuesday, May 16 -- Daryl Davis Presents: Rock’n’Roll & the Jewish Connection

Anyone who knows me knows I ALWAYS have a blast when I get to make music with my good friend and musical legend Daryl Davis. If you come to this show and have half as much fun as I will, it'll be a magical evening for you.

Wednesday, May 17 -- Seth Kibel: “Clown With A Stick”

My album release show! (and don't worry, my Baltimore-brethren, there's gonna be a B'more release show in June) I'll be playing all of the music from the new album, including a number of new compositions NEVER before played in public. Joining me will some of the fine musicians who recorded with me on the album -- pianist Sean Lane, bassist Bob Abbott, and drummer Wes Crawford.

All three of these concerts are going to be VERY special, one-time affairs. All of them are at 7 pm, and all of them require you buy your tickets yesterday!