The fourth annual Arts Carleton Place fundraiser "Sounds of Downtown" co-presented with the Carleton Place BIA, is on Saturday, September 12 on Bridge Street. The featured headliner is Monkey Junk, a hot blues and roots band. Placing third at the International Blues Challenge, the band was nominated for a 2008 Blues Award as the New Artist of the Year. Band member Steve Marriner was winner of the 2008 Blues Award for Harmonica Player. Members Tony D, a blues icon in the Ottawa area, plays guitar and sings with Matt Sobb on drums, percussion and background vocals. These guys will be rocking the town hall auditorium. Before the 9 p.m. concert, check out the other performers and venues. At Lux Photographic Services, 6-8 p.m., listen and snap your fingers to LiPS Slam Poetry. Performances starting at 6 p.m. are: Gerry Griffin and Heather Houston playing folk at The Good Food Co., the Community Band at the Post Office, Victor Maltby playing fiddle at the Granary, acoustic guitar and refreshing sangria at The Mexican Emporium, Celtic jammers and poetry readings at Brush Strokes. At St. James Gate at 6.30 p.m. don't miss Rachelle Behrens, an amazing singer. The Carleton Heritage Inn has Open Mic Live! featuring local musicians and singers starting at 7 p.m. The Thirsty Moose has acoustic blues with the Night Crawlers at 7 p.m. and Still Dangerous at 9.30 p.m. Buskers, presented by SRC Music, will be playing along the street. Stop in at Sandy's Caribbean Delights, a new location, for some yummy sampling. The Chamber of Commerce has an Info tent for visitors to Carleton Place.

Further along Bridge Street, the Mississippi Ale House has Tell Mama and Ballygiblin's is presenting the Mississippi Jug Stompers both starting at 8 p.m.

This year the main concert featuring Monkey Junk starts at 9 p.m. There is a cash bar, 8.30-10.30 p.m. There will be a dance area in front of the stage. It's going to be a great show!

For all of you late night folk, The Mississippi Ale House, Ballygiblin's, St.James Gate and The Thirsty Moose will be offering entertainment. Paddy G & the Mennie Man, terrific Celtic musicians start at 10.30 p.m. at St. James Gate.

Buy your passports early. The $15 passport: all venues except the Monkey Junk concert. The $25 passport: all venues plus the 9 p.m. Monkey Junk concert. All passports allow for sampling and munching appetizers. What a deal!

New Passport location: Drop in and visit the Train Station Visitors Centre and Gallery, 132 Coleman Street. Cash and cheques only please.

Please support the arts in our community! See you on September 12!