News …

Promoters rely on big music festivals for big box office – The Chicago Tribune

Kylie Minogue says her breast cancer was originally misdiagnosed by doctors – The Times Online U.K.

Eminem’s mom sued in book deal – The Detroit News

From sex tape to new album – the “rise” of Ray J – Associated Press

Old concert posters reveal rock ‘n’ roll history – London Free Press

Song by Spitzer call girl becomes overnight sensation on indie music Web site – Boston Herald / The Edge

Views …

Three nights of Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks – ” … three great concerts, each one markedly different from the last despite the unavoidable similarities.” – The MIT Tech

Alpha Blondy in Montreal – “So it’s a testament to Blondy’s staying power that his supercharged set … seduced the crowd so easily.” – Montreal Gazette

Carrie Underwood in Columbus, OH – ” … kept the crowd wrapped around her finger, giggling and exchanging with the audience as if she were out on the town with her girlfriends.” – Lancaster Eagle Gazette / Columbus After 5

Johnny Mathis in Boston – ” … class never goes out of style.” – The Boston Globe

Chuck Loeb in Reading, PA – ” …and his wife, singer Carmen Cuesta, played off each other during the slow, sexy rhythms of the Brazilian music.” – Reading Eagle

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

Peggy Lennon (The Lennon Sisters) is 67

Leon Huff (Gamble and Huff) is 66

Steve Howe (Yes) is 61

Mel Schacher (Grand Funk Railroad) is 57

Izzy Stradlin is 46

Donita Sparks is 45

Julian Lennon is 45

Biz Markie is 44

Craig Honeycutt (Everything) is 38

Darren Jessee (Ben Folds Five) is 37