In their 14-year history, Scottish Indie Pop collective Camera Obscura has benefited from high profile endorsements — legendary DJ John Peel was an early champion and Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch produced CO's debut full-length in 2001, 'Biggest Bluest Hi Fi' — while stuffing their press kit with glowing praise for each successive album. With the departure of co-lead singer John Henderson, Tracyanne Campbell is alone at the mic, but she clearly has risen to the occasion.  

The upcoming MidPoint Indie Summer concert series on Fountain Square (three bands for free every Friday) opens with Scottish Indie Pop darlings Camera Obscura June 4, the much-buzzed about Neon Indian June 11, MidPoint vets Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit June 18 and reunited Pop/Punk Chicago band Smoking Popes June 25. And that's just the first month.  

Some details about the 2010 MidPoint Music Festival were unveiled April 23 at the Contemporary Arts Center, including confirmations of A Place to Bury Strangers, Richard Buckner, Van Dyke Parks and a handful of other performers. Several national acts were also announced for the MidPoint Indie Summer Series on Fountain Square, starting with Camera Obscura June 4.  

If you're a fan of hypermelodic Pop/Rock and you haven't heard or seen local group The Newbees, what are you waiting for? The perfect chance to check the band out comes this weekend with the release of a gorgeous CD/DVD package, 'Live @ The Southgate House.' Ironically, the band will be playing its release party Friday at York Street Cafe.  

Camera Obscura is a bit like a liquor-filled chocolate: something that at first seems dark and sweet but very quickly reveals a pungent center with a potent kick.