And that's the (Barefoot) Truth, playing in New London

One of the tightest of our local bands is the one you probably don't know much about - because they're never here. This is because Barefoot Truth, an acoustic, harmony-spangled, college-rock-styled quintet that hails from Mystic - where they all live together in a house - has become a national sensation.

We don't necessarily know about them because they work what is loosely called the college circuit - touring extensively and steadily raising their profile with student bodies across a widening section of national geography. Plus, Barefoot Truth has utilized the online music-sharing online network called Pandora to amazing advantage.

Without benefit of a record deal, radio airplay or even significant exposure through opening for bigger acts, BT has scored over 4 million hits on Pandora. Wanna see why this is happening? They headline Saturday in New London's Hygienic Arts Park as part of the Summer Nights in the District concert series. Raise the Rent (formerly loved as the Roadside Attractions) appears in support.

- Rick Koster

Barefoot Truth and Raise the Rent, 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Hygienic Art Park, 79 Bank St., New London; $7 suggested donation; (860) 443-8001.