By Erica Phillips Just when you think you've heard everything from the late Jimi Hendrix, more never-before-released tracks are being issued, providing further evidence of his guitar greatness and artistry, and a little insight into the man. Winterland [Highlights], which was just released, features 11 songs that transport you back to Hendrix's heyday.

29 March 2012 No Comments By Erica Phillips Adversity and the struggle to put out a second album frame Divide the Blackened Sky from The Veer Union, a Vancouver-based rock band featuring vocalist Crispin Earl and guitarist Eric Schraeder. Friends for about 10 years, the two formed the band in 2004 and last week launched a US tour in Texas.

Vancouver-based rock band The Veer Union is on a US tour to support the March 26 release of their latest album Divide the Blackened Sky. Sway spoke to vocalist Crispin Earl and band mate, guitarist Eric Schraeder, while on a tour bus somewhere outside of El Paso, Texas on their way to Cleveland for their next gig.

By Erica Phillips Hendrix in the West by Jimi Hendrix is another part of the recently released set of music. This live album features songs from several different performances first issued in the 1970s, previously unavailable performances, plus a 24-page booklet and more photos.

Canadians should wave the Canadian flag even more proudly, not just on Canada Day or at sporting matches, but every day. This is a great time to reflect on the things we hold dear: the ability to vote freely, health care, and of course the arts.

By Erica Phillips Jazz, rock, blues, country: new school, old school, it's music festival season; time to dance under the stars, in the sunshine, soaking up that heavy beat. Don't let festival names fool you. They tend to be driven by history; to draw new audiences they have expanded their offerings: Stevie Wonder and Joe Cocker have appeared at jazz festivals.

"Fifty years ago, we wouldn't have been able to stay at the same hotel at the same restaurants, drink at the same fountains," Troy Carter said. Today, Carter and his biggest client, Lady Gaga, do all that without a blink.

By Erica Phillips Fefe Dobson and Drake are up for four MuchMusic Video Awards (MMVAs) this year on June 19 in Toronto. Dobson's 'Ghost' is up for Video of the Year and Pop Video of the Year; 'Stuttering' has been nominated for International Video of the Year by a Canadian and UR Fave Video.

It's hard to know where to start with Canadian Music Week, which is held for several days every March. The 30 th edition last week was at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto.