The Acoustic Storm 500

May is here and that means the 500th Acoustic Storm is right around the corner. Not that it was a race to get there, but the landmark program just happens to arrive on the same date as the Indianapolis 500, on May 25.

On the 500th show, Bruce Springsteen goes into the Eye of The Storm, and we'll remember E Street Band keyboardist Danny Federici with an acoustic version of "Thunder Road" from the legendary 1975 Hammersmith Odeon concert in London. You'll also hear an acoustic demo of "Born in the U.S.A." from Springsteen's home-recording sessions for the "Nebraska" album, a live take on "Born to Run" and something from the latest album, "Magic."

Since The A.S. 500 falls on Memorial Day weekend, we'll play some songs for the occasion, including David Bowie's unplugged performance of "Heroes" and a beautiful rendition of "My County 'Tis of Thee" from David Crosby and Graham Nash, featuring guitar from the late Michael Hedges.

The annual Mother's Day Acoustic Storm is coming up this weekend (5/10-5/11). Jefferson Airplane-Starship's extended music family will go into the Eye of The Storm, with a taste of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy's Hot Tuna. Plus, we've got music from moms like Joni Mitchell, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, and Nancy Wilson of Heart. The theme of maternal acoustic-rock will continue with a trio of tunes from The Beatles, along with Pink Floyd's "Mother," and Randy Newman's original recording of "Mama Told Me Not to Come."

On a personal note, the 5/11 Acoustic Storm is dedicated to Lynne T. Parets. My mother passed away last year and May 11th is her birthday. A lot of my musical inspiration comes from Mom as well as my maternal grandparents. Nana was an accomplished concert pianist and violinist, while Papa was a gifted opera singer.

By the way, if you have any suggestions for the Mother's Day Acoustic Storm or the Father's Day show coming up 6/14-6/15, feel free to drop me a line at jp@acousticstorm.com .

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers get the Storm profile treatment 5/17-5/18, as they're scheduled to return to the road May 30 (Steve Winwood is the opening act for several dates). Petty has also been busy reviving his old band Mudcrutch with an album and tour.

Here's the upcoming line-up for The Acoustic Storm:

5/10-5/11: Jefferson Airplane/Starship music family (Mother's Day show)
5/17-5/18: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
5/24-5/25: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (Acoustic Storm 500th show)
5/31-6/1: Steely Dan
6/7-6/8: Neil Young
6/14-6/15: Eric Clapton - including bands he helped father (Father's Day show)

Thanks for your support in making 500 Acoustic Storms possible!

You can view archived listener posts at The Acoutic Storm Forum .