Spring gives rise to new things. We are happy to announce the birth of our new record label, MayApple Records. This is the new home for all of Big Smith's recordings, as well that of other artists, including the debut CD by Dallas Jones, whom many of you know from his fine opening sets, and the debut CD by our first cousin Robin Rees. Also, we have begun making available to you songs via MP3 files, exclusive to our website. The first release is a live version of "Dirty Old James." So check it out when you've got a few minutes: www.mayapplerecords.com.

That brings us to news of our live CD, "GIG," which is slated for an early June release. It's a double CD, with 23 songs, plus two videos from the "Big Smith Live at Cartoons" TV special, which you can play on the CD ROM drive in your computer. If you'd like, you can go to MayApple Records' website and advance order your copy today.

Have you visited www.bigsmithband.com lately? There are a couple of new features you'll enjoy. First is our discussion page, where you can post messages and invite dialogue with other Big Smith listeners. It's also a good place to check on the latest Big Smith news, as the band will post information there from time to time. Also, there's a new bio section, where you can learn a little bit more about each of the guys and their sordid histories.

Yes, there's been a lot of exciting things happening lately. You may have heard of our recent opening gigs with Emmylou Harris and the Del McCoury band in Kansas City - what a time that was. And perhaps you saw reports of our music video shoot on the local news. Yes, we made a video for "Trash," directed by Ted Melfi of Goldenlight Films, shot at the Juke Joint and various locations in the Ozarks. Many of you were able to participate, and we want to thank you for experiencing that craziness with us. The video is still in post-production, so contrary to rumors put forth, it hasn't been picked up by MTV or any other network - yet. We'll keep you posted.

This summer will find us on two extended tours. We go south in early June and north in late July. Not all dates are confirmed yet, so check back with us over the next few weeks for updates.

Fiddler extraordinaire Dave Wilson sat in for our entire set at Cartoons on May 11. You never know what may happen at a Big Smith show, so come see us every chance you get! Click here to see where will be in the next few months.

Read the previous newsletter by clicking here.