There are consistently temperate parts of this great land where all sorts of festivals, events and fairs can take place all year round.

Here? Not so much.

Our summers, then, are rife with fun - and the idea of a new event called the Mystic Blues Festival, which will take place June 28-30, is more than welcome. Though an official lineup of regional and national acts hasn't yet been confirmed, festival events will take place in a variety of venues, including Mystic Shipyard Tavern, Olde Mistick Village Art Cinemas, The Knickerbocker Cafe and the Mystic Marriott.

In support and celebration, the Mystic Blues sponsors and hosts are holding a free party and rally to kick the whole thing off. On Sunday afternoon in Westerly's Knickerbocker Cafe, the Chris Leigh Band and guests will entertain, and there will be food and drinks available for purchase.

- RICK KOSTER

Mystic Blues Festival party, 4 p.m. Sunday, Knickerbocker Cafe, 35 Railroad Ave., Westerly; party held by festival sponsors and hosts; free; (401) 315-5070, theknickerbockercafe.com