News …

Malaysia’s Islamic opposition party wants government to cancel upcoming Avril Lavigne concert scheduled for Kuala Lumpur, and it’s not because they don’t like “Sk8er Boi.” – Associated Press

Santogold, Lykke Li and Camille have in common? They’re the latest wave of female popsters – The Times Online U.K.

Virgin Records sues 30 Seconds To Mars, says the band failed to deliver three albums required by contract Wired / Listening Post

Magician, professor and counter-terrorism expert are just a few of the day jobs held by established rockers – Los Angeles Times (registration may be required)

Thousands gather to pay respects to Bernie Mac – Chicago Sun-Times (registration may be required)

Man injured while attempting to slide down theater railing at Steely Dan gig – The Chicago Tribune / Associated Press

Legendary Brazilian singer Dorival Caymmi, “grandfather of the bossa nova,” dies at 94 – Reuters

Views …

Eddie Vedder in DC – ” … cracked jokes, offered political thoughts and played more than two dozen songs ranging from the Pearl Jam catalogue to his “Into the Wild” soundtrack work and classic covers.” – The Washington Post

Brooks & Dunn / ZZ Top in Oklahoma City – “… the sounds and sights of this concert were sure to please their most picky of fans and made the experience a multi-level show of unexpected proportions. It did work and worked very well in many ways.” – The Oklahoman / NewsOK.com

Al Jarreau in Foxboro, Massachusetts – “A cocktail in his left hand and a mike in his right, the Grammy-winning jazz /r&b veteran gyrated happily for an hour and 45 minutes, performing a number of classics from his four-decade career, including ‘You Don’t See Me,’ the 1981 hit ‘We’re in This Love Together,’ a spirited ‘Mornin’ and ‘After All.'” – Boston Herald / The Edge

Martina McBride in Southern California – ” Performing like the confident veteran she now is, she carried the audience through 15 years of hits, mixing in a few refreshing changes and surprises along the way.” – Orange County Register

Bob Dylan in Mashantucket, Connecticut – ” … his keyboard and harmonica playing were sharp and his voice as husky as ever.” – The Sun Chronicle

Donna Summer in Oakland – ” … revving up her Paramount Theatre audience with hits from her new CD as well as the dance floor anthems that made her a household name 30 years ago.” – San Francisco Chronicle / SF Gate

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

Johnny Preston is 69

Sarah Dash (LaBelle) is 65

Martin Mull is 65

Elayne Boosler is 56

Steve Wilkinson (The Wilkinsons) is 53

Zac Maloy (The Nixons) is 40

Everlast is 39

Masta Killa (Wu-Tang Clan) is 39