Interestingly, I learned about this article through a New Jersey Facebook friend whom I've never met in the flesh . . . : )

http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/travel/18headsup.html?ref=music

Nice to see those places getting some international fame. I have been to all the places mentioned in the article and was blown away by the talent available in Chiang Mai for the price of a few drinks. Gigs of that calibre go for big bucks in North American theatres.