News …

Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles play for Democrats in Denver – San Francisco Chronicle / Associated Press / SFGate

For some people there’s nothing like hanging out at a weekend music festival while enjoying the comforts of home – AFP

Mob disrupts otherwise peaceful Notting Hill Carnival in west London – The Times Online U.K.

Going shopping with Toby Lightman – Staten Island Advance

Talk about playing a tough room. If you think the music critic in your local paper can be nasty, check out this Vietnamese critic’s take on his country’s pop music scene – VietNamNet Bridge

Ralph Young of Sandler & Young dies at 90 – The New York Times (registration may be required)

Views …

The Black Keys in Anaheim – “It’s animalistic sex on six strings and two sticks.” – The Orange County Register

John Mayer in Saratoga Springs, New York – “Monday night’s “performance” was all about the blues for the young singer/songwriter/guitar virtuoso.” – Glens Falls Post-Star

John Prine in Anchorage – Knack for soulful storytelling satisfies fans. – Anchorage Daily News

Trace Adkins and Miranda Lambert in Louisville – “Adkins goes for simple, Lambert for smart.” – Louisville Courier-Journal

Poison in Phoenix – “Michaels promised a party that would feel like a Saturday night, and he didn’t disappoint as pyrotechnics lit the back of the stage.” – The Arizona Republic / AZcentral.com

Melissa Etheridge in Seattle – “Everybody’s got a life story, but nobody tells it in song as eloquently and powerfully as Melissa Etheridge.” – The Seattle Times

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

Vic Dana is 66

Valerie Simpson (Ashford & Simpson) is 62

Bob Cowsill (The Cowsills) is 59

Branford Marsalis is 48

Jimmy Olander (Diamond Rio) is 47

Shirley Manson (Garbage) is 42

Dan Vickrey (Counting Crows) is 42

Adrian Young (No Doubt) is 39

Cassie is 22