News …

India.Arie’s Broadway debut postponed after production loses a financial backer. – Broadway.com

Philip Morris International yanks billboards and posters promoting Alicia Keys’ Jakarta concert after the artist protests tobacco company’s involvement with her show. – Associated Press

Consumer Association of Ireland criticizes anti-scalping measures taken by company promoting Tom Waits concerts. “Anything that puts a tout out of business is to be welcomed, but not at the expense of the consumer.” – The Independent

Early tape recording of The Beatles talking, laughing during recording session expected to fetch 8,000 to 12,000 pounds ($16,000 to $24,000 U.S.) on the auction block. – Associated Press

Saying he wants to spend more time with his family, Gilberto Gil steps down as Brazil’s cultural minister – Associated Press

What do you get when you combine 16 bowling lanes with a 600-seat room? Brooklyn’s newest music venue, Brooklyn Bowl. – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Catching up with Tricky – The Australian

Views …

Morrissey and New York Dolls in Tel Aviv – “If the Dolls were an exercise in shambolic looseness, Morrissey was the epitome of showbiz precision.” – The Jerusalem Post

Missy Higgins in Beantown – ” … enchants with tales of love” – Boston Herald / The Edge

Alan Jackson in Lexington, Kentucky – ” … proves he’s genuine country.” Lexington Herald-Leader

Sheryl Crow in Boston – ” … explored the twisting paths between darkness and light, sometimes within the space of a single song, many of them coming from her latest album, Detours.”- The Boston Globe

k.d. lang in Edinburgh – ” … the Canadian became queen of the Festival Theatre last night.” – Edinburgh Evening News

George Michael in DC – ” … alternated between slick showman and elegant crooner for more than two hours in front of a grateful, adoring crowd of about 13,000.” – Richmond Times-Dispatch / inRich.com

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

Lobo is 65

Gary Lewis (Gary Lewis & the Playboys) is 63

Bob Welch is 62

Daniel Ash is 51

Bill Berry (formerly of R.E.M.) is 50

Chad Brock is 45

Fatboy Slim is 45

Jim Corr (The Corrs) is 44