mavis staples

In honor of Jeff Tweedy's 43rd birthday, I decided to post something Wilco related, but came across this little gem first. With Tweedy set to produce legendary soul singer Mavis Staples, they've had plenty of time to collaborate and have some fun. Staples, whom can out sing pretty much anyone I've ever seen live, shines in the following video which finds her covering the Creedence Clearwater Revival tune "Wrote A Song For Everyone" backed by Tweedy on acoustic guitar and vocals. It's a great version of the song, ever so soulful with Staples at the helm. Tweedy, although he had been working with Staples and had become friends with her for some time, still seems as if he's starstruck in her presence – as he should be! Check out the video below...

I'm excited to see what Tweedy does on the production side of the business. I know he's had a heavy hand in the job on all Wilco records, but it'll be nice to see his vision through someone elses work – especially someone as storied and as talented as Staples. The album is due out September 14th, so we don't have to wait too long.

The Houston International Festival, better known to us locals as iFest, has released the musical line-up for its 2009 edition. Set to take place the weekends of April 18-19 and 25-26, this year's festival will focus on the culture of Ireland while highlighting diverse artists from around the world. The first weekend will feature The Ohio Players headlining on the 18th, with top duties going to Mavis Staples on the 19th. The second weekend will feature Hugh Masekela on the 25th, with Los Lobos closing it all out on the 26th. Several other unique acts will be performing over the four-day, multi-weekend event, including reggae legends The Wailing Souls, Afro-beat prince and his band Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 and New Orleans soul man Marc Broussard. Also of particular note is the "Celtic Conjunto Finale," which will feature Los Lobos, members of Irish band Beoga, fiddler Kevin Burke, Tejano accordionist Joel Guzman, and zydeco player Lil Brian Terry all participating in a jam session that "has never happened before on a Houston stage, and may never happen again."

Check out the full iFest line up after the jump