Thursday Music Digest

MerleFest turns 25

http://www.yadkinripple.com/view/full_story/18352068/article-MerleFest-returns-to-North-Wilkesboro-for-its-25th-year?instance=popular

Sammy Hagar likes his Rum

http://www.marinij.com/business/ci_20480307/marins-sammy-hagar-rum-rocks

The Beach Boys hit the road

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/04/live-the-beach-boys-kick-off-50th-anniversary-tour-in-tucson.html?track=icymi

Sistah Robi sighting

http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Sistah-Robi-Performs/WNFE6F-rTUi0hZK3wDCxxQ.cspx

Time for this year's Monk Competition

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/young-jazz-singers-get-welcome-boost-from-monk-competition/2012/04/25/gIQAYKnlhT_story.html

Talking Story with Herbie Hancock

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-herbie-hancock-20120425,0,896832.story

A preview of this year's Na Hoku Awards

http://waikiki.hawaiinewsnow.com/news/arts-culture/91889-ala-moana-hotel-host-35th-annual-na-hoku-hanohano-awards-and-music-festival

A new Air Force Guitar

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123299472

Remembering Levon Helm on "SCTV"

http://communityvoices.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/arts-entertainment-living/get-rhythm/32746-a-tribute-to-levon-helm-rare-video-1959-2011

And an honor for the Lowell Festival Foundation

http://www.lowell.com/lowell-festival-foundation-receives-nea-art-works-grant-0383/