News …

Relatives and ex-friend identify alleged victim in first full day of R. Kelly child porn trial. Defense hints tape was part of plot to ruin the singer – The Chicago Tribune

U.K. venue voiding tickets for Kylie Minogue offered on auction sites, says it will do the same for other events – Evening Chronicle U.K.

Music hall at Berlin Philharmonic intact after fire – The New York Times (registration may be required)

San Diego community group backs Street Scene festival – San Diego Union-Tribune

Phil Collins talks about his new BFW – “”The gorilla, oh he’s my best friend now. Really – we’re thinking of sending him out on tour as he’s better looking and more talented.” – Crewe and Nantwich Guardian U.K.

A few minutes with Harry Wayne Casey, a.k.a. KC of KC & The Sunshine Band – Belleville News Democrat

Views …

Bob Dylan in Nova Scotia – ” … stormed through nearly two hours of Dylan’s ’60s songbook as well as a generous portion of newer material during his third visit here in 11 years.” – The Chronicle Herald

Tim McGraw in Cincinnati – ” … strutted, and girls screamed, a cause-and-effect scenario that repeated itself throughout the hour-and-45-minute performance.” – The Cincinnati Enquirer

Kanye West in Toronto – ” … kicked off the Molson Amphitheatre’s concert season last night with a conceptual show that surely ranks as one of hip-hop’s greatest spectacles.” – Toronto Star

Kenny Chesney in Grand Rapids, MI – “Chesney is a seasoned pro who knows his audience well and, in the years he has appeared at Van Andel Arena, has continued to make his show bigger and better.” – The Grand Rapids Press

Kids In The Hall in St.Louis – ” … packed The Pageant in the Delmar Loop, bringing out new material and classic characters from their eponymously titled television show.” – Riverfront Times

Roy Hargrove in New York – “The 19-piece ensemble, fronted by the stellar trumpeter, composer, arranger and vocalist, gave listeners exhilarating sounds that felt good, and will be hard to forget.” – The Star Ledger

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

Bernie Taupin is 58

Morrissey is 49

Dana Williams (Diamond Rio) is 47

Jesse Valenzuela (Gin Blossoms) is 46

Johnny Gill is 42

Dan Roberts (Crash Test Dummies) is 41

Donell Jones is 35