News …

North Korea welcomes New York Philharmonic – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Eric Clapton invited to play in North Korea – The Korea Times

“Phoenix Rising” in Providence brings 16 bands and artists together to benefit the Station Family Fund to aid nightclub fire survivors – The Providence Journal

Christian rock pioneer Larry Norman dies at 60 – San Jose Mercury News (registration may be required)

You saw them on the Oscars. Now get up to speed on The Swell Season – Los Angeles Times / Extended Play (registration may be required)

Building the perfect indie label – YorkRegion.com

Views …

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood at The Garden – “Throughout the night, Winwood offered the more trenchant guitar work, hewing closer to the tune, while Clapton spun fancifully around it.” – New York Daily News

Westlife in Belfast – ” … had fans screaming as they took centre stage and performed from an impressive back catalogue spanning 10 years.” – Belfast Telegraph

Rod Stewart in New Zealand – “Anyone who has ever questioned how Rod Stewart pulls so many hot young things obviously hasn’t seen him in the flesh.” – The New Zealand Herald

Michael Buble in Jacksonville, Florida – “He has that hip Sinatra feel without making it feel dated.” – The Florida Times-Union

Bette Midler in Las Vegas – ” … brash, funny, schmaltzy, surprising, poignant, charming, provocative, witty, bawdy and, of course, divine.” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Linda Eder in Chicago – “By now, anyone who follows classic pop singing knows that Linda Eder commands a uniquely sumptuous voice.” – The Chicago Tribune

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

Paul Cotton (Poco) is 65

Mitch Ryder is 64

Sandie Shaw is 61

Michael Bolton is 55

Jaz Coleman (Killing Joke) is 48