News …

Britney’s parents ask why their daughter was released, say pop star is “at risk” – Associated Press

£300,000 ($590,700 U.S.) for Madonna tickets? – Metro U.K.

Airline ordered to pay damages to members of steel band after group was ejected from plane – The Times Online

Umphrey’s McGee answers the big questions – Ventura County Star

A “taxing” situation for Michael Jackson – Fox News

Dia Frampton of Meg & Dia talks about life on the road – Quinnipiac Chronicle

Views …

Jill Scott in Seattle – ” ,,, strong, sensual soul without apologies” – Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Foo Fighters in Oakland – “Refreshingly, the focus throughout was on the music, not on spectacle” – San Jose Mercury News (registration may be required)

Michelle Shocked in Cambridge, MA – ” … wanted singalongs. Lots of them. And she wasn’t going to let anyone off the hook” – The Boston Globe

Swedish pop star Robyn in NYC – ” … was greeted as a conquering hero. And she performed like one too” – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Fairport Convention in Britain – “Fairports kicked into a stunning set that showed just how many different hues can be created within the framework of folk music” – Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Hilary Duff in Australia – “There she was! Live! Looking so pretty!’ – The Age

They Say It’s Their Birthday … (Or so says Associated Press)

Wilma Lee Cooper is 87

Brian Travers (UB40) is 49

Garth Brooks is 46

David Bryan (Bon Jovi) is 46

Chris Rock is 43