Once owned by Johnny Depp, L.A.’s famed Viper Room to undergo a makeover. New owner promises he’s not taking the club in a “Hollywood direction.” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Welsh Language Board insists it did not try to ban Duffy for singing English lyrics – Daily Post U.K.

Views …

George Michael in Los Angeles – “Michael’s Forum show united everyone present in a celebration based partly on nostalgia and partly on utopian community pride.” – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Boston and Styx in Oklahoma City – “It was more than a feeling that kept the sweaty crowd anxiously waiting for two great 70s bands to rock the Zoo Amphitheater tonight.” – The Oklahoman

Return To Forever in Ottawa – ” … filled Confederation Park last night with the biggest crowd in the Ottawa International Jazz Festival’s history.” – The Ottawa Citizen

Earth, Wind & Fire in Oregon – ” … a little of everything – rousing music, ballads, showmanship, amazing musicianship, acrobatic choreography and interesting lighting effects.” – Mail Tribune

Stevie Wonder in Milwaukee – “If you wanted to pick one person to be a goodwill ambassador for popular music, could there be a better choice than Stevie Wonder?” – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Sergio Mendes in Boston – “Firmly planted behind his synthesizer, he led his seven-piece band through hits such as ‘Going Out of My Head’ and ‘So Many Stars’ much to the delight of a Tommy Bahama-clad baby-boomer audience that politely tapped along.” – The Boston Globe

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

Bruce Johnston (The Beach Boys) is 66

Lorrie Morgan is 49

Leigh Nash (Sixpence None The Richer) is 32