Amongst the other instruments he plays, singer/songwriter Andrew Bird is a concert-trained violinist who reveres the jazz masters, but does not imitate them. He explores various styles but will not noodle. Too modern to be classic, too classic to be modern, he produces a tight, early swing sound with saucy lyrics. His latest effort is 'Lonely Beast.'

The Full Contact Fighting Federation is the nation's premier amateur, mixed martial arts event.

The Full Contact Fighting Federation is the nation's premier amateur, mixed martial arts event.

The Pretenders were one of the top acts of the '80s and early '90s, with hits such as 'Don't Get Me Wrong.' Headed up by Chrissie Hynde, the group has returned with a new album, 'Loose Screw,' and is currently touring to promote it.