"rhinoceros"

VIRGIN FESTIVAL BY VIRGIN MOBILE EXPANDS TO TWO DAYS

AUGUST 4-5, 2007 AT PIMLICO RACE COURSE IN BALTIMORE, MD

www.virginfestival.com

New York, NY (March 22, 2006) -- Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson, creator of the world-renowned UK-based V Festival, announced today* that the U.S. Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile will be held August 4-5, 2007 at Pimlico Race Course® in Baltimore, Maryland, adding a second full day of music in its second year.

On behalf of partnering hosts Virgin Mobile USA and Virgin USA, Branson announced the first three acts to be confirmed: The Police, The Smashing Pumpkins and Beastie Boys. On-sale dates for tickets, the rest of the very diverse two-day line-up and additional information about the Festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Everybody had an incredible time at last year’s inaugural Virgin Festival, so we’re going to double the fun this summer with two days of great music,” said Sir Richard, whose legendary music heritage is the inspiration behind Virgin’s music festivals. “With our unbelievable headliners and terrific festival vibe, Virgin Festival will be the hottest destination for live music this summer.”

The three bands have chosen the Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile to make rare live appearances. The Police are on tour for the first time in 21 years, giving lifelong fans a long-awaited opportunity to see this legendary band. The Smashing Pumpkins are reuniting for their first US performance since going on hiatus in 2000. And Beastie Boys will make their first east coast appearance in two years.

The first U.S. Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile was held September 23, 2006 and featured 20 bands performing for more than 45,000 people across two stages and a giant dance tent. This year, the site will again provide all kinds of entertainment and activity, with high-quality concessions, a diverse array of vendors and non-profit organizations, art installations, performance art and more.

Branson also highlighted that the Festival will be as eco-friendly an event as feasible this year in an effort to limit its carbon impact, “supporting Virgin Group’s ongoing commitment to attacking the causes of global warming. We are exploring numerous ways to minimize the impact of the festival on the environment.”

Virgin Mobile USA is the leading wireless youth network with more than 4.6 million customers enjoying wireless service without long-term contracts. “Our customers share many things, and a passion for music is one at the very core of who Virgin Mobile is,” said Dan Schulman, chief executive officer of Virgin Mobile USA. “We’re not only producing the most dynamic music festival this summer, we are creating a special setting for people to experience music and art, hang with friends, text and talk and network, interact with diverse communities, learn about issues and enjoy themselves.”

“Virgin is one of the most exciting brands in the world, offering hip, fresh, innovative products and services that resonate with the young-at-heart,” said Frances Farrow, chief executive officer of Virgin USA. “Virgin Festival embodies the best of the brand and gives music fans of all ages the chance to experience for themselves what Virgin is really about.”

Part of repeating and surpassing the success of the first Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile is the return of producers I.M.F., a company formed by the principals of I.M.P., one of the country's leading independent concert promoters and owners of Washington, D.C.'s famed 9:30 Club. “We had such a blast at last year's show; we can't wait to get back. Right now I'm putting together the lineup that will just be A-list from start to finish, on both stages and in the dance tent,” said promoter Seth Hurwitz. “Hold the dates...August 4th and 5th...we will be here to entertain & amaze.”

"On behalf of the City of Baltimore, I'd like to say thank you to Mr. Branson and Virgin for bringing this world class event back to our city," said Mayor Sheila Dixon who added, "We are excited and proud to, once again, host the Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile and some of the music industry's biggest talent."

Historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD is the home of the world famous Preakness Stakes®, the Middle Jewel of Thoroughbred Horse Racing's famed Triple Crown. More information about Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile can be found at www.virginfestival.com.

*video and photos from Sir Richard’s announcement will be available shortly

About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC
The nation's leading wireless youth network, Virgin Mobile USA provides more than 4.6 million customers with the most flexibility and choice in wireless products and services without long-term contracts. Voice pricing plans range from monthly options with unlimited nights and weekends to by-the-minute offers, allowing consumers to adjust how and what they pay according to their needs. Virgin Mobile's full slate of smart, stylish and affordable handsets, including the popular Switch_Back and Slice, are available at more than 35,000 retail locations nationwide and online at www.virginmobileusa.com, with Top-Up cards available at more than 130,000 locations.

Virgin Mobile USA’s network services are provided on the Nationwide Sprint PCS Network, and the company is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint Nextel. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked Virgin Mobile highest in customer satisfaction among wireless prepaid services, and its own customers report a 94% satisfaction rate. Proud of its charitable and environmental programs, Virgin Mobile donates 5% of profits from downloadable content to The RE*Generation, its pro-social initiative to help millions of at-risk and homeless teens; and provides postage-paid return envelopes in every new package for customers to recycle old phones.

About Virgin USA
Virgin, a leading branded venture capital organization, is one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. Virgin USA oversees and is responsible for the expansion of the Virgin brand in North America, blasting into markets where the customer is underserved, offering value for money, good quality, innovation, exceptional customer service, fun and a sense of competitive challenge. Existing businesses like Virgin Atlantic Airways, the award-winning transatlantic airline; Virgin Mobile USA, the leading wireless youth network; Virgin Megastores, the groundbreaking music stores; and Virgin Comics, an entertainment and media company creating original stories and epic myths for worldwide audiences, have already laid a powerful footprint in North America. Building upon the success of these businesses, Virgin USA continues to look for opportunities in North America where it can offer something better, fresher and more valuable to consumers.

Music news and notes 3/24/07

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- The National Music Publishers' Association filed a lawsuit against XM Satellite Radio claiming the station is violating copyright laws by providing its customers with a service called XM+MP3 which lets listeners store songs on XM portable players with the option to by played anytime, also the saved songs are active for as long as a subscription lasts (cost about $13/year). A spokesman for XM said the lawsuit by the NMPA "simply represents a negotiating tactic to gain advantage in our ongoing business discussions." The publishers group also sees the XM+MP3 service as a substitute for using iPod-type devices and services like iTunes to purchase music. What the NMPA fails to understand is that the customer is already PAYING for the XM service, this would be seen as a perk plus once a subscription ends you no longer have possession of those saved tracks. The music industry is full of dipshits.

-- Speaking of dipshits... Music Theft at 23 Campuses Targeted in Second Wafe of New Deterrence Program

-- R&B Artist Luther Ingram Dies At 69

-- Snoop Dogg won't be joining P Diddy in Britain on their co-headlining European tour as Snoop was denied a visa to enter the country. "Snoop and his team are mystified at the decision and are hoping that the British government will reconsider this decision," spokeswoman Celena Aponte said in a statement. "He has asked how he can help rectify the situation and would happily talk to and give assurances to the officials." The Home Office wouldn't comment specifically on the reason Snoop was denied a visa but a statement released stated, "The Home Secretary has the power to refuse entry clearance to non-U.K. citizens if he considers that their presence here would not be conducive to the public good." P Diddy will play the Wembley Arena on Tuesday.

-- Announced bands for this year's Ozzfest: MAIN STAGE: Ozzy Osbourne; Lamb Of God; Lordi. SECOND STAGE: Hatebreed; Nick Oliveri and the Mondo Generator; Nile; Ankla; Circus Diablo; The Showdown; 3 inches Of Blood; Daath; more bands to be announced. Regarding this year's free tickets: To gain entry into this year's OZZFEST, fans will go to www.ozzfest.com or www.livenation.com to find links that will direct them to special sponsor sites where tickets can be secured. Select sponsors will have a unique opportunity to engage fans one-on-one utilizing one of music's best known brands. Tickets will be available for download on June 12. Stay tuned to www.ozzfest.com and www.livenation.com in the coming weeks for more ticketing information.

-- Broward County has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Foxy Brown.

-- Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins and Razorlight are headlining The Reading and Leeds festivals which begin 8/24.

-- Fishbone release Stuck In Your Throat on 4/24 and will be touring this spring:
03/31 - Malibu, CA - Malibu Inn/04/15 - Whistler, BC - Buffalo Bills/04/16 - Whistler, BC - Buffalo Bills/04/25 - Austin, TX - Emo's/04/25 - Houston, TX - Fitzgerald’s/04/27 - New Orleans, LA - Howlin Wolf/04/28 - Decatur, GA - Club 29/04/29 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues/05/01 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbit’s/05/03 - New, York, NY - Rocks Off Boat Cruise/05/04 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live!/05/05 - Boston, MA - Rock On! Groove Cruise/05/08 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick/05/09 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom/05/11 - Mokena, IL - The Pearl Room/05/12 - St. Paul, MN - The Rock Nightclub/05/14 - Denver, CO - Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom/05/15 - Ft. Collins, CO - Aggie Theatre/05/16 - Boise, ID - Knotty Pine/05/17 - Boise, ID - The Boquet/05/18 - Portland, OR - Dante’s/05/19 - Seattle, WA - Studio Seven/08/23 - Fresno, CA - Warped Tour/08/24 - Sacramento, CA - Warped Tour/08/25 - Los Angeles, CA - Warped Tour

-- You can view a live webcast of this year's Coachella festival at the AT&T Blue Room.

-- Rush announces tour dates on Monday 3/26, check their site for more details. Their current single Far Cry can be purchased on iTunes, Canadian residents click here to purchase the single.

-- Former Jefferson Airplane singer Grace Slick and former Airplane/Starship manager Bill Thompson are suing Paul Kantner for using variations of the '60s hippie band's name which he agreed not to use Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship or any variation of the names to tour under.

-- Track listing for The White Stripes' upcoming Icky Thump album which comes out in June:
01. Icky Thump 02. You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told) 03. 300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues 04. Conquest 05. Bone Broke 06. Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn 07. St. Andrew (This Battle Is In The Air) 08. Little Cream Soda 09. Rag And Bone 10. I'm Slowly Turning Into You 11. A Martyr For My Love For You 12. Catch Hell Blues 13. Effect And Cause

-- The Rolling Stones announced European tour dates on a video webcast on Thursday which begins on 6/5 at Werchter Park in Werchter, Belgium.

-- Rick James' Estate Sues Former Music Publisher

-- The Magic and Majesty of Pink Floyd

-- Reznor Says Sobriety Lead To Creativity

-- Kid Rock Files Suit Against Assault Accuser

-- New Study Says Smart Kids Prefer Hard Rock Music

-- Court bans Spears rehab leaks

-- Rodrigo Y Gabriela Tour Back On After Visa Flap

-- CBS Radio Exec Ongaro and Others Indicted On Fraud Charges
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Weekend music news and notes

By Art Shimko
shimko_7@hotmail.com

-- Music news and notes from the last few days...

-- After being hospitalized Thursday in Galveston for a low grade fever and flu-like symptoms, 81-year-old blues legend B.B. King was discharged Saturday and said to be feeling better. King will be rescheduling dates he missed early this week in June and plans on performing a show in Fort Worth on Tuesday.

-- The Police will be rehearsing for their upcoming reunion tour at Vancouver's Lions Gate Studios as reported by local classic rock station CFMI this past week, there's even a rumor of the band performing at the Grammys on 2/11 in L.A. Sting (accompanied by lutenist Edin Karamazov) will be touring from 2/18-3/12 in Europe supporting his lute album "Songs From the Labryinth".

-- Exclusive: Van Halen Reuniting With Roth For Tour

-- Line-up & ticket info for this year's New Orleans Jazz Fesitval: New Orleans, LA (January 25, 2007)—Harry Connick Jr., Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, Norah Jones, ZZ Top, John Legend, Van Morrison, Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Ludacris, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, New Edition, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Irma Thomas, Jerry Lee Lewis, Counting Crows, Allman Brothers Band, Allen Toussaint, George Benson, Pharoah Sanders, George Thorogood, Stephen Marley featuring Jr. Gong, Better Than Ezra, Joss Stone, Banda el Recodo, Calexico, Taj Mahal, Johnny Rivers, Lucinda Williams, Branford Marsalis, Richie Havens, Soulive, Cowboy Mouth, Percy Sledge, Tony Joe White, Gillian Welch, Bobby Jones & the Nashville Super Choir, T-Bone Burnett, Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, Mose Allison, Marcia Ball, Roy Hargrove, Chuck Leavell, Arturo Sandoval, The Holmes Brothers, Snooks Eaglin, Dr. Lonnie Smith, The New Orleans Social Club, James Carter, The Radiators, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lucky Peterson, Darrell McFadden, Sonny Landreth, Danilo Perez, Ivan Neville, Dottie Peoples, Davell Crawford, Ba Cissoko of Guinea, George Porter, Jr., Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Tab Benoit, Les Amazones of Guinea, World Saxophone Group, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Buckwheat Zydeco, Anders Osborne, Elder Baab & the Madison Bumble Bees of Winnsboro, Eddie Bo, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Rosie Ledet, Amanda Shaw, The Iguanas, Marva Wright, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Deacon John, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews & Orleans Avenue, Bob French, Elysian Fieldz, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Ellis Marsalis and over 500 more groups will gather in New Orleans for the 38th annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell, April 27-29 and May 4-6, Festival organizers announced today [January 25th].

Tickets to the 2007 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell go on sale today at www.nojazzfest.com and www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (800) 488-5252 (outside Louisiana) and (504) 522-5555 (New Orleans). Tickets can be purchased in person at the Jazz Fest ticket office located at New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod Street. Tickets to Jazz Fest are on sale by specific weekend, with each ticket valid for a single day’s attendance. Prices are $35 in advance, $45 at the gate. Children’s tickets (ages 2 - 11) are only $5 in advance or at the gate. A limited number of Jazz Fest’s popular Big Chief VIP Experience packages featuring a full weekend pass and VIP amenities is available for $600 per weekend, $700 with parking. Additional ticket and VIP information is available at www.nojazzfest.com.

-- Tom Waits and GM Motors German division settled a lawsuit filed by the singer after the auto company and the McCann Erickson agency released commercials featuring a singer who eerily sounded just like Waits. The money Waits received in the suit will be donated to charity, and also this isn't the first time Waits has chased after companies producing ads using singers mimicking his vocal style. In 1992 Waits sued Frito-Lay for a Dortios commercial featuring a vocalist also mimicking a singing voice like his winning $2.5 million and also has sued Audi and Italian carmaker Lancia for similar reasons.

-- In an interview on BBC Radio 4's "Front Row" Brian Eno said that he has been drafted to produce Coldplay's upcoming fourth album.

-- From the Smashing Pumpkins' Myspace blog: The Smashing Pumpkins have made their first official announcement of an appearance in 2007. The band will headline both Rock am Ring (6/2/07) and Rock im Park (6/3/07) Festivals in Germany. Tickets are available beginning on Saturday, January 27, 2007. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.tickets-per-post.de/tickets-per-post/Main.php. Check out the festival website for more information http://www.rock-am-ring.com. Stay tuned for many more announcements…

-- Deicide drummer Steve Asheim was detained earlier this week in Innsbruck, Austria where the band is on tour after attempting to deposit merch money at a local bank. The bank staff was suspicious when some of the money was colored in a red dye, the police were contacted and Asheim was questioned for hours before police released him with no charge.

-- Pearl Jam have released European concert dates on their website:
6/8-Lisbon, Portugal (Passeio Maritimo Alges)
6/9-Madrid, Spain (Festimad)
6/12-Munich, Germany (Olympichalle)
6/13-Katowice, Poland (Chorzow Stadion Slaski)
6/15-Italy TBA
6/16-Vienna, Austria (Nova Rock Festivval)
6/18-London, England (Wembley Arena)
6/21-Dusseldorf, Germany (Ltu Arena)
6/23-Tuttlingen, Germany (Southside Festival)
6/24-Scheebel, Germany (Hurricane Festival)
6/26-Copenhagen, Denmark (Forum)
6/28-Nijmegen, Holland (Goeffert Park)
6/29-Werchter, Belgium (Werchter Festival)

-- Thrash-metal veterans Testament are getting back together for an upcoming tour featuring original members Alex Skolnick, Greg Christian, Eric Peterson, Chuck Billy and drummer Nick Barker (Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth). The band plays tonight at Independent in their hometown San Francisco and then heads to Australia and Europe for more tour dates:
AUSTRALIA
2/7 - Prince of Wales Hotel - Melbourne
2/8 - The Manning Bar - Sydney
2/9 - The Waterloo Hotel - Brisbane

EUROPE
3/23 - Almassy MK Hall - Budapest, HUNGARY
3/24 - Hala Spodek - Katowice, POLAND
7/26 - Hellwood Fest - Subotica, SERBIA
8/25 - Up from the Ground Open Air Fest - Gemunden, GERMANY

-- In case you're confused which bands are "gay" and which are "safe" the kind folks at www.lovegodsway.org can "straighten things" out for you:
"Gay" bands include: The Spores (endorse suicide); The Grateful Dead (AIDS); Morrissey(?questionable?); George Michael (texan); Ted Nugent (loincloth) - the Nuge sure would LOVE that one... Metallica; Jay-Z; Motorhead and plenty more. This ministry is so fucking dumb... "Safe" bands include the usual bunch of idiots: UnderOath; Cyndi Lauper (I thought she was a lesbian); Falling Up; Flyleaf; THE TURNING; Disciple; P.O.D; Evanescence; By The Tree; Scott Reed; Michael W. Smith; Jars of Clay; DC Talk.

-- AP: Michael Jackson Returns to the U.S.

-- EMI to Merge Capitol and Virgin Labels

-- Rapper Young Buck arrested in Nashville

-- Singer-actress Brandy involved in fatal traffic crash

-- Beastie Boys Working On "Different" New Album

-- Scott Ian Announces Anthrax "Reunion is Over."
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Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or referencing commentary from this site please include a link to meanfilipine.blogspot.com as opposed to "Strong Style Shimko", "From The Mean Filipine Blog" or derivatives. Thank you!