Odds & Ends: Celine Dion, Arcade Fire and Jane’s Addiction

Celine Plays For Kids

Canadian songbird Celine Dion will return to her old haunt at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas when she headlines “Play Without Pain: Children’s Sickle Cell Benefit” at The Colosseum Jan. 15.

Along with Dion delivering the show that made her Vegas residencies famous the world over, the evening will include an exclusive reception at PURE Nightclub following her performance.

“As a mother, I was incredibly moved by the stories that were shared with me regarding the impact this disease has on children,” Dion said in a statement. “Participating in this benefit is a way in which I can get involved to positively touch these children’s lives. The funds we raise will enable doctors to complete their important research that will allow these children to grow up pain-free and lead longer, more productive lives.”

Tickets ranging from $155 to $350 are on sale now. There are also opportunities to attend the VIP dinner at the Restaurant Guy Savoy before the show that includes a cocktail reception and a chance to meet the chanteuse herself. For more information, visit CelineInVegas.com.

Arcade Fire Gets Personal

Not only does Arcade Fire’s Win Butler say the band will match fans’ charity donations to Haiti relief organization Kanpe, but the singer/songwriter/guitarist promises a special thank you for helping out in the form of a personalized postcard signed by him and his wife, Arcade Fire singer/instrumentalist Régine Chassagne.

Kanpe is a charitable organization working towards eliminating poverty in Haiti.

Along with promising to match donations, Butler had a few words for anyone who might be thinking of donating a huge sum in hopes the matching donation might break the band.

“For any silicone valley jerks who might try to bankrupt us, let’s put the upper limit at $300,000,” Butler wrote on the band’s website. “Have a great holiday!”

No Jane’s Addiction For Las Vegas

It’s never a good moment when your favorite band cancels a much-anticipated performance. However, when Jane’s Addiction dropped off a Las Vegas radio station’s holiday show, the cancellation turned out to be a boon for fans.

With X107,5’s Holiday Havoc running Dec. 7 & 8 at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel / Casino, Jane’s Addiction was to headline the first night, topping a bill that includes The Naked and Famous and The Joy Formidable.

But when a family member’s illness forced Jane’s Addiction to cancel its appearance, the radio station, AEG Live and the Hard Rock turned a potential lemon into lemonade by turning the first night into a free show.

“X107.5 sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this cancellation may have caused,” the radio station’s program director, Charese Fruge, said in a statement. “We thank the fans and our listeners for their understanding and hope they can make it out for a free night of Holiday Havoc.”

But only the first night is a freebie. You still need to reach into your wallet for evening No. 2 on Dec. 8. That night features performances by Rise Against, A Day To Remember and Middle Class Rut. Click here for more information.