*We’ve had a previews in the paper during the last two weeks about “jam for karl,” a special event that’s taking place tonight at Edmond Town Hall. Just wanted to offer one final reminder in the event you’re looking for something to do tonight that includes great live music, good company, and the feeling that you’re going to be helping someone else at the end of the night.

A number of the area’s top musicians have teamed up to recognize and celebrate the musical contributions of Karl Schwichtenberg, a Sandy Hook resident and member of the band SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. Karl has been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. With this in mind, friends and family have decided to create “jam for karl,” which will be taking place tonight (Friday, February 6) from 7 to 11 pm in The Alexandria Room at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street in Newtown. You can still buy tickets for this thing at the door, for $33, and all proceeds will help Karl with medical costs and related expenses. The cost of admission covers light snacks and soft drinks; a cash bar will be available.

Another highlight of the evening will be the silent auction of a Line 6 Variax first issue model guitar with over 20 specific acoustic and electric guitar sounds including sitar and banjo, in mint condition.

Among those who have promised to participate in the jam are CHANCE BROWNE (The Twinkies), CHARLIE KARP (of the Buddy Miles Band), BIG ERIC WALTERS & THE BUDGET CRUNCH, drummer THIERRY ARPINO (of Jean Luc Ponty’s band), and of the younger generation, guitar wonder MATT RAE and his trio.

Closing the show, of course, will be SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.

For last minute info and details I’d visit the website at JamForKarl.com. I’d imagine the contact person for the event is going to be focused on final preparations for tonight. See you at this one, definitely.

*The DEREK TRUCKS BAND will bring its Already Free 2009 Tour into the area this weekend.

The band will be at The Palace Theater in Waterbury, celebrating the much anticipated release of the young guitarist’s sixth album on Sunday night. Tickets are still available and have been priced from $27.75 to $51.75. Give the box office a call at 203-755-4700 or visit PalaceTheaterCT.org to find out which specific seats are still available.

*JOAN OSBORNE is one of the headliners who will be at Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts this spring.

The R&B and soul singer returned to those roots with her 2007 release Breakfast in Bed, which she will be highlighting during her April 4 concert.

Tickets are $40-$50 and can be ordered by calling 203-254-4000 or visiting QuickCenter.com and looking for the Purchase Tickets tabs.

Also planning to be at the Quick Center this spring are THE ROCHES, who will headline on April 17. Tickets for that show are $35 and $45; same purchase options as above.

*JIMMY BUFFETT announced his ful 2009 Summerzcool Tour on Monday and it looks like the King of Summer will be returning to Connecticut, but not until late fall. The tour schedule includes a November 21 show at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The band has some tour dates later this month and also in April, so I’m not sure when they consider the summer tour to be starting, but some shows will have gone on sale by the time this column is printed. I’ll keep an eye our for the Connecticut onsale info for you, of course.

Until next week I’ll be seeing you... on the road.

Questions and comments should be sent to Shannon Hicks c/o The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or shannon@thebee.com, or call the office at 426-3141. Shows listed at clubs are for ages 21 and over unless specified.

UPCOMING SHOWS

FEBRUARY 6 — jam for karl at The Alexandria Room/Edmond Town Hall, Newtown, featuring Chance Browne, Charlie Karp, Big Eric Walters & The Budget Crunch, Thierry Arpino, Spontaneous Combustion, et al; The Adults at The Cookhouse, New Milford; Beenie Man at Toad’s Place, New Haven (all ages); David Wilcox at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro, Norfolk, with Lara Herscovitch; Rhythm Authority at Georgetown Saloon, Redding; Jewel at Foxwoods Casino’s Fox Theatre, Ledyard; Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes at Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville;

February 7 — Lucy Kaplansky at Fairfield Theatre Company, Fairfield; The Pretenders at Foxwoods Casino’s Fox Theatre; Bess Rogers and Lucinda with Michael Connolly at Infinity Music Hall; Soul Daddy at Georgetown Saloon;

February 8 — The Derek Trucks Band at The Palace Theater, Waterbury; Jewel at Fairfield Theatre Company; Leon Redbone at Infinity Music Hall; Secondhand Serenade at Toad’s Place, Meg & Dia, White Tie Affair and Rookie of the Year opening (all ages);

February 13 — The Nerds at Toad’s Place, Shifting Red and Dookie opening (all ages); Ellis Paul at Infinity Music Hall, with Seth Glier; Petey Hop & The Wallbangers at Georgetown Saloon;

February 14 — Nick Colionne with Brian Simpson at Infinity Music Hall; Eclectic Groove at Georgetown Saloon; Jonny Lang Valentine’s Day Event at Ridgefield Playhouse.