Ticketmaster settles rewards lawsuit for $23M

Ticketmaster has agreed to settle claims for up to $23 million over a lawsuit affecting more than a million people who, after buying a ticket online, were enrolled in a rewards program that cost $9 a month but never gave them any benefits.

Local Buzz for May 17, 2013

Here is a look at music events. Suggestions include Majestic Star Casino’s Lakeshore Lounge.

Dwight Twilley perfectly content to churn out CDs

A documentary is in the works about Dwight Twilley, and in addition to featuring songs from the pop-rocker’s four-decade career (including his pair of No. 16 hits, “I’m on Fire” in 1975 and “Girls” in 1984) the film features several new autobiographical songs Twilley wrote …

Music streaming, gaming among new Google services

Google’s sixth annual conference for software developers opened Wednesday with a chance for the company to showcase the latest mobile devices running its Android software, while also unveiling other features in its evolving product line-up. Announcements include new tools for online games and a music-streaming service that will allow Android users to listen to their favorite songs and artists for a monthly fee.

Cassie Taylor, daughter of Otis, sings her own blues

Blues songstress Cassie Taylor spent years traveling the world and jamming alongside her multitalented pop, prominent Chicago-born blues artist father, Otis Taylor. Now 26, Cassie is cultivating a solo career and touring to promote a new album called “Out of My Mind.”

“I love artists …

Google unveils $10-a-month ‘All Access’ music plan

Google Inc. unveiled a streaming music service called All Access that blends songs users have already uploaded to their online libraries with millions of other tracks for a $10 monthly fee.

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre’s 2013 concert season

The 2013 summer concert season is a live music fan’s dream.

A ton of great gigs are on the way, and many of them will be at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park.

“It’s a busy summer and there’s just a …

James Cotton harmonious as ever these days

THOMAS CONNER: Playing “country blues” of Memphis and the slicker “big-city blues” of Chicago, the harmonica legend made friends who join him on a new album he calls “the best thing we ever did.”

Local Buzz for May 10, 2013

Here’s a look at some music events. Suggestions include Zodiac, Front Porch Music and Small Potatoes.

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre’s 2013 schedule

Here are the shows so far for the 2013 season at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park, (708) 614-1616.

Tickets are or will be available soon at LiveNation.com , all Ticketmaster outlets, the box office and at (800) 745-3000. Lawn and …

Chicago band Kids These Days confirms breakup

“It was definitely a creative thing,” Liam Cunningham told the Sun-Times. “When we started the band, we were all 15 years old, and we’ve all grown musically since then. I think everybody felt a bit suffocated.”

Love helps Rod Stewart overcome writer’s block

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Rod Stewart has never shied from the spotlight, but on this day, the famously cheeky rocker wants a softer glow. He’s waiting to be interviewed on camera about his first album of original music in almost 20 years, and the …

Rapper Ja Rule leaves upstate New York federal prison

ALBANY, N.Y. — Federal authorities say platinum-selling rapper Ja Rule has left federal prison. The 36-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, left a state prison in central New York in February after serving most of his two-year sentence for illegal gun possession, going …

Local Buzz for May 3, 2013

Here is a look at music events.

Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards: I don’t own an iPod

NEW YORK — He’s rock royalty and likes to keep it old-school: Keith Richards says he doesn’t own an iPod. The Rolling Stones guitarist says he isn’t a fan of the ultra-popular music device. “I don’t have an iPod. ... I still use CDs or …