Greg Brown’s newest album, a live recording of his August 2005 performance at the Peterson Auditorium in Ishpeming, Michigan, is a raw, reverent commentary on the times we live in and a testament to the artist’s love for the wild lands and waters of the Upper Peninsula. Greg Brown performed the concert to benefit the Yellow Dog for free, and, after arriving two hours late because of flight delays, he treated the audience to a fresh batch of brand new songs and reworkings of old favorites.

“I brought out my notebook tonight. I’m gonna sing a bunch of stuff I never sung before. I figure it’s been kind of a nutty day already, why not just take it on home that way…” Brown said. “I’m proud to be here. Proud to stand up for a little river.”

All proceeds for the album will go to the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, an organization dedicated to protecting the Yellow Dog river. A metallic sulfide mine has been proposed within the Yellow Dog Watershed.

The Department of Environmental Quality will hold hearings on the proposed mine from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. & 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. March 6-8 at the University Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. The DEQ plans to make a final decision in May. Public commentary is welcome and encouraged.

The CD will be released by Michigan label Earthwork Music, and they are offering a buy one, get one free deal for the new record to all those who come to the hearing to support the Yellow Dog Watershed.

Photo credit: Greg Brown in Missoula by Chris Lombardi, get details on the disc and photos from the show at Earthwork Music and check below for the Yellow Dog cd cover!