entertainment - "music"

AP - Phil Vassar, 'Prayer of a Common Man' (Universal South): The title of Phil Vassar's fourth album implies a change of direction for this country piano player known for upbeat, good-time tunes. 'Prayer of a Common Man' lives up to its title, adopting a more solemn tone than anything Vassar's previously done.

Following a critically acclaimed season which included the new york Premiere of Edward Albee's Peter and Jerry and the musical Next to Normal starring Alice Ripley and Brian d'Arcy James, Second Stage Theatre (Carole Rothman, Artistic Director; Ellen Richard, Executive Director) has announced three of the four plays scheduled for its upcoming 30th Anniversary season.

Michael Martinez is proud to present An Evening of music and Comedy III at Don't Tell Mama. This showcase and variety show will feature recording artist Casey Henry, singer Manny Simone, Scottish singer songwriter Jill Leighton, and singer Erika Dyer. Comedian Matt Florio will be the Special Guest Host for the evening. Producer Michael Martinez has previously presented showcases at Don't Tell Mama and several other new york City clubs.

Exit/Exit is the musical project of multi-instrumentalist Brad Bocook. Based in Youngstown, OH, Exit/Exit makes cinematic songs with quirky, world-flavored instrumentation inspired by old French pop and folk music. Bocook wrote a dozen songs for the RPM Challenge, each one dedicated to a specific person he says has influenced his life in the past year. Exit/Exit's album is called More Clearly Ourselves, featuring the song 'Drive Over the Glass.'

Jaymay has been called a folk artist and she cites Bob Dylan among her influences. But her music is more layered and unpredictable than traditional folk singers. Jaymay was in Austin, TX for this year's South by Southwest music festival and took time out of her schedule to meet with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen at the French Legation Museum, for an exclusive outdoor performance.

Legendary music executive Clive Davis has been replaced by Barry Weiss as chairman and chief executive officer of the BMG label ...

Clive Davis, who made Britney, JT, and Alicia stars, is no longer head of BMG.

Pianist Chuck Leavell has played piano for some of the shining stars of rock and jazz, but his most enduring gig has been as pianist and music coordinator for the Rolling Stones. In addition to his piano playing, Leavell is also an accomplished tree farmer.

Rapper 50 Cent is defending the genre of music that became the catalyst for his career and the very channel to tell his story of a tumultuous past.

Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Tom Di Nardo, Shaun Brady, Sara Sherr, Jonathan Takiff and Damon C. Williams.