For those of you who are unfamiliar with Jeff Wood, he is the lead singer of The Sound and The Fury. (Check out http://www.thesoundandthefury.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/soundfury.)

For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Sound and The Fury (although I can't image there are many of you), they are an amazing alternative band that sings about unique perspectives of life with an unique sound. There are not many bands capable of that in this day of mass-produced pop stars. They are a refreshing reminder of why we can still listen to an entire afternoon of music and never get tired of hearing the songs.

Their MySpace page describes the band as, "been together for a lifetime, clearing the way for their sound all over the United States. Together, they have found a vein of music that is deep, moody, and tends to search through the intensity of everyday life. It's the greatest fusion of the laser beam and the blowtorch that you will ever hear. The consistent, driving groove of the rhythm section, and the emotional flood of tones on vocals emanate deep from within what makes up the overall release that is The Sound and the Fury."

I couldn't have described it better.

If you check out the MySpace page, you see the band hales from KC, MO and produces their records with independent labels. That makes me like them even more. Check out some of their tunes while you're there. It gets me through the day.

Jeff Wood also does some really amazing acoustic work. Several years ago when my boyfriend and I broke up, he played one of Jeff Wood's songs that won me back. Yeah I know, but you had to hear the song.

Girls - if you haven't heard him yet, you are missing out. His music drives right into your veins.

I am in love with him. Well, at least his musical talents.

Guys - take notes. Girls dig this.

I digress. So, when my sister told me that she would be helping to promote Strotherfest, a new festival in Lee's Summit, and that JEFF WOOD WOULD BE THERE, I immediately wanted to know what I needed to do to help out. I get to see Jeff Wood, I get to see Jeff Wood, I get to see Jeff Wood. That alone is worth attending the festival.

But I suppose I should get off stalker mode and talk about the festival as well. There are lots of other really good entertainment that will be there. I'm just having a hard time curbing my excitement.

Anyhow, Strotherfest is a new tradition celebrating Americana that will take place on July 21-22 at 1800 SW 150 Highway, Lee's Summit, Mo, next to the Arborwalk residential development. Festivities start both days at noon. Admission and parking is free.

The event features live music throughout both days. The featured entertainment of Saturday evening is the contemporary Irish band, The Elders. Sunday, Jeff Wood performs, as well as the popular Beatles coverband Liverpool. Additional activities include a classic car show, craft fair, kid's area and a live radio remote with KUDL radio on Saturday from 2-4 p.m.

On Saturday, Dan Hurst, morning on-air personality for KUDL 98.1 radio, will emcee a young adult vocal contest starting at 2 p.m. Twenty or more individuals ages 15-25 will have the chance to perform before a panel of professional judges, live on stage. The top vocalists will be asked back for the finals on Sunday. An entry fee of $10 per vocalist is required to compete. First place will receive $250.

As planning events is a big part of my job, I understand the amount of work that goes into something like this. I love visiting events and festivals in other communities to see what they have to offer. I encourage everyone to stop by. I think it sounds like a blast! If you want more information, check out www.strotherfest.com.