It seems an odd time to be talking about summer music festivals, but this is the time of the year when major work is being done to finalize them. Artists and reps are being approached, volunteers organized and recruited, venues booked and locations planned. Deals are being done, and speaking of deals, here's one that would make a great Christmas gift.

Many believe one of the finest festivals on the East Coast is one of the tiny ones. The Larlee Creek Hullabaloo happens each August in Perth-Andover, NB, and features a weekend of some of the very best East Coast artists. Last year was number four, and the Hullabaloo boomed, pretty much doubling its weekend attendance from 750 to 1500 people. The festival was set up to promote live music in the area, by friends of a local boy-made-good, Matt Andersen. It's no surprise that Matt graces the stage each year, and it has turned into an on-and-offstage celebration, featuring jams and good cheer for performers and audience. Word is now out, and people are traveling hours to attend the weekend.

Why is obvious from the roster. Last year featured Andersen, Carmen Townsend, Slowcoaster, Dave Gunning, Chris Colepaugh and the Cosmic Crew, Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards, Kim Wempe, The Divorcees, Haunted Hearts, Irish Mythen, Thom Swift, Rik Barron, Downtown Blues Band, and Razzmatazz For Kids. Yikes. Put that lineup on any stage in the country, and you'd have one heck of a party. Put it in a beautiful setting with cool people, and you have a music fan's dream weekend.

Pictured above is what is known as the big Hullabaloo, when all the artists get together on stage for an all-star session.

Here's the deal: If you want to go this coming August, it's a great time to both support the festival, and get an early-bird deal on tickets. From now until Dec. 31, passes for the whole weekend are on sale. The lineup hasn't been announced yet, but assume the same high quality. Your early support will give organizers the oomph to put together a great bill. What would you pay for individual tickets to these performers? What would you pay for a weekend of fun? This festival costs you all of $40 a ticket right now. Last year, those tickets were $55, so it's a good savings per ticket, but even full price is already shockingly good.

Book your tickets at: https://secure.ticketpro.ca/achat_LCHWEP12.html?lang=en&aff=lch