British R&B artist James Hunter has been making a big splash on this side of the pond this year, touring in support of his great album People Gonna Talk (Go Records/Rounder). He opens a free bill with Susan Tedeschi at Artpark on Tuesday, June 27. Artvoice caught up with the humorous Mr. Hunter in the midst of his heavy touring schedule. Here’s what he had to say…

Edgefest 2006 promises to breathe fresh air into Buffalo’s summer concert schedule. Aside from actor Jared Leto’s surprisingly progressive-tinged rock endeavor 30 Seconds to Mars, who headlined Edgefest in 2005, this year’s lineup brings new blood and a different tone to the radio-sponsored music event. In previous years the giant concert featured mainstream radio acts like Billy Idol and Our Lady Peace. This time around, Edgefest’s focus is on some of the hottest young bands on the current musical landscape.