When I was a youngster in Indian Guides, I rode my first horse on a trail with other Indian Guides. For some reason, I steered my pony so that the poor fellow's head got stuck in a Y-shaped branch of a tree. The King Horseman had to delicately extract the kind and gentle beast from its arboreal nightmare - all because of me!

I have since been extra kind to horses.

Which is one reason you should consider attending the Mitchell Farm Music Festival taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Mitchell Farm in Salem. Yes, it's a very fine equine retirement organization, and all of the net proceeds benefit the horses living there.

What's extra cool is that there's a great lineup. On Saturday, Jonathan Edwards, The Pousette-Dart Band and Aztec Two-Step perform. Sunday's bill features Parsonville (formerly Poor Old Shine) and The Shinolas. It's a tented event so it's going down rain or shine. Bring a chair or blanket. Food will be available for purchase on-site.

- RICK KOSTER

The Mitchell Farm Music Festival, 1:30 p.m.

Sat. and Sun., Mitchell Farm, 300 E. Haddam Road, Salem;

$45 Sat., $22 Sun.; (860) 303-8705.