One Offs

After students expressed concerns that gang-affiliated Gucci Mane was not a good choice for the homecoming concert for North Carolina State A&T University, a predominantly black school, the Oct. 31 headliner was switched to rapper Plies, according to the Famuan newspaper …

Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park in Cary N.C., had the smallest deficit of its six years in existence, according to year-end budget projections, the Cary News reported …

The first pieces of sod have been laid at the new Red Bull Arena, the flagship soccer stadium expected to open up in Harrison, N.J., March 27 …

Harry Potter and Spider-Man can pound sand: Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” was predicted to rake in $250 million in its first five days.

Fergie may be the latest limited partner of the Miami Dolphins, joining Jimmy Buffett, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, according to Dolphins CEO Mike Dee …

British superstar Leona Lewis was struck by a man in the reception line at her autobiography book signing in London Oct. 14, according to police …

Joseph Brooks, 71, songwriter of “You Light Up My Life,” has filed a lawsuit, seeking $2 million in damages against 21-year-old former fiancée Joaly Gomez, claiming he has found out she is already married and seeks the return of a $550,000 bank account, a $60,000 engagement ring and other presents.

Carrie Underwood is expected to host a two-hour variety special on the Fox network tentatively titled “Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special” to air Dec. 7 …

Artie Kornfeld, one of the original promoters of Woodstock, has published his memoir, “Father of Woodstock” …

The Robert Plant & Alison Krauss “Raising Sand” tour won the best tour sound award at the 25th annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards Oct. 12 …

We’re happy for you and I’m a-let you finish, but Taylor Swift is going to be one of the best “Saturday Night Live” hosts of all time when she takes over the show in November.