2006

Sire Records has announced the release of Regina Spektor’s new album ‘begin To Hope.’ Set for a June 13th, 2006 release, Spektor recently completed an 11-date sold-out warm-up tour of the states, including dates at Los Angeles’ El Rey Theatre and Brooklyn’s Warsaw Theatre. The dates in the US were the first for Spektor since her 25-date sold-out tour in the summer of 2005. In support of her major-label debut, Spektor will perform on Late Night with Conan O’Brien on June 14th. In addition, Sire launched an interactive virtual listening party for the New York City chanteuse that will enable listeners to experience her new album. Beginning June 24th, Spektor will head to Europe for a 30-date tour, which includes a sold out night at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall and performances at T In The Park and the V Festival.

The official listening party, in which songs from ‘Begin To Hope’ will be available at six different ‘listening posts’ in a virtual New York City loft, will be held in Second Life, an immensely popular 3D online world in which users, known as ‘residents,’ build and own their own content online. This is the first time a major record company has launched a virtual record release in Second Life and held a listening party for one of its artists. Anyone who logs in and creates a free basic membership in Second Life (www.secondlife.com) will be able to view Spektor’s virtual room where ‘Begin To Hope’ will be played in the background. The room will feature places for people to sit and listen to the album and talk to each other about it, providing a communal 3-D experience for users. The environment of the room will change to match the mood of each song. Second Life currently boasts over 221,000 residents, with an average of 6,000 players online at any given time. There is no fee to register and become a resident.

Stevie Nicks will open the first eight shows on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ Highway Companion tour, which kicks off June 9 at the Verizon Amphitheatre in Charlotte, N.C.

Nicks’ performances include two shows in Virginia and a June 20 stop in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Her final appearance on the outing will be the June 21 gig at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, Mass. Nicks is scheduled to perform a selection of songs with Petty.

Former Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio will also support the first eight shows, which will be followed by six double-bills with Pearl Jam through July 2-3 in Denver.

Source: Billboard

Desmond Dekker, who brought the sound of Jamaican ska music to the world with songs such as “Israelites,” has died, his manager said Friday. He was 64.

Dekker, who lived in England, collapsed from an apparent heart attack at his home on Thursday, manager Delroy Williams said.

“It is such a shock, I don’t think I will ever get over this,” Williams said.

Dekker’s 1969 song “Israelites,” a Top 10 single in both Britain and the United States, was the first international hit produced by Jamaica’s vibrant music scene. With its haunting vocals and irresistible rhythm, it introduced the world to ska, a precursor to reggae.

“Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not,” Williams said. “When he released ‘Israelites’ nobody had heard of Bob Marley

Canadian pop/rock acts Kyle Riabko and Easily Amused and their “Come Together Tour” came to an unfortunate halt yesterday when they woke up to find their van and trailer stolen from a Philadelphia hotel parking lot. As a result, all remaining tour dates have been cancelled, as both bands are busy trying to find a way home.

The trailer was filled with everyone’s equipment, including a custom-made acoustic guitar, 1966 Fender Jaguar, vintage Ludwig drum set and Elrick MJS5 bass guitar. That’s just the beginning of an entire trailer full of gear that has been stolen, so the bands are asking that if you are involved in the Philly music scene, to please keep an eye out for the gear to pop up in stores within the area.

The Disco Biscuits have announced Camp Bisco V’s artist lineup. Joining them on the bill will be The Roots, Thievery Corporation (DJ set), Brazilian Girls, The New Deal, RJD2, Perpetual Groove, The Juan McLean, Brothers Past, Lotus, Orchard Lounge, Elemental Harmonics, and more acts to be announced in mid-summer.

Camp Bisco V will happen on August 25 and 26 at Hunter Mountain Ski Resort and Lodge in Hunter, New York (www.huntermtn.com). The festival will take place at the base of the world-class Catskill Mountains resort. Located only 2 hours from New York City, CBV will feature two stages, over 15 musical acts, onsite and offsite camping, as well as plenty of non-musical activities. Musical hosts, The Disco Biscuits, will offer up two sets each night of their jaw-dropping electronic rock compositions. Stay tuned to www.campbiscov.com for details and new announcements.

Much like last year, this year’s Camp Bisco boasts a family friendly environment, with designated Quiet Camping and plenty of daytime activities for both kids and adults, including the annual Camp Bisco Color Wars and outdoor recreations such as river activities, hiking, golf, and more. This year also includes indoor lodge facilities, outdoor showers and toilets, and a dance hall, for use by festival goers and onsite campers. As always, Camp Bisco V will host plenty of food and arts & crafts vending within the festival grounds.

Event details are as follows:
Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26
(gates open at 8 am on the 25th and close at 4 PM on the 27th)
Hunter Mountain Ski and Lodge
Route 23A – Hunter, NY
huntermtn.com