Bob Lefsetz

Rheostatic Dave Bidini (pictured) earns a rave review for his new book, Rufus Wainwright's opera draws mixed notices, and Tragically Hip tribute bands keep Gord Downie's legacy alive. Also in the headlines are Annie Leibovitz, The Town Heroes, Cub Sports, Lefsetz vs Flom, Tom DeLonge, Chinese hip-hop, Spotify, IFPI report, Tencent, The Orchard, MMA, Richard Branson, Chris Stein, Thom Yorke, Drake, Colter Wall, XTC, Prince, Bob Dylan, and Rihanna.

The first album written and recorded at a federal women’s prison in Canada is released, the McMichael gallery spotlights the history of Canadian hip-hop, and Bob Lefsetz will interview AEG's Rick Mueller at CMW. Also in the news are Canadian Specimens, Senator Winebar, Joe Jackson, OLP, Go North fest, Sting, and farewells to Charlie Quintana and Matt Dike.

Bob Lefsetz recently swooned over a concert by the Brit crooner at the LA Forum, and his rapturous praise drew some strong applause from his readers. We've included several of these in today's column.