Star Power on Stage

Music and film stars are giving a boost to the theatre world this fall with numerous appearances by celebrities on stages around the world.

R&B singer Usher is performing as greedy lawyer Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of Chicago until October 1. London will also be injected with celebrity status as Ashlee Simpson prepares to fill the role of Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago beginning on September 25. The San Jose production of Sweet Charity will welcome 80's film star Molly Ringwald in the lead role on September 19.

Trey to Tour U.S.

Trey Anastasio will compliment the release of his new album in October with a month-long tour across the United States.

The former Phish member will visit venues across the country after the October 3 launch of his latest album, Bar 17, which features guest musicians including John Medeski and Benevento/Russo Duo. The trek will see Anastasio in states from New York to Texas and include two special performances with Phil Lesh at the annual Vegoose festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Ryder Cup

Teams have been decided and practice is underway for golf's match of the continents in the Ryder Cup.

The event will see an American team compete against a European team with play running from September 19 - 24 at Ireland's Kildare Golf and Country club in Kilarney. The best of the PGA and European PGA have been selected for the teams with members including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson. PGA golf will continue in November at The Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia.

Broadway on Broadway

Stars abounded at the 15th annual Broadway on Broadway concert on the weekend with comedian Martin Short playing host.

The free outdoor event treated theatre fans to performances from a wide array of current productions running on Broadway. Cast members from Jersey Boys, Avenue Q, The Wedding Singer, Rent and Spamalot, among many others, gave the audience previews of sequences from their shows. Other stars present included Beauty and The Beast's Donny Osmond and The Wedding Singer's Constantine Maroulis.

Death Cab on the Road

Death Cab for Cutie will continue their biggest year of touring with a trek to play arenas across North America at the close of 2006.

The quartet will tour the continent from October 26 to December 9 after a year of constant concert dates. Death Cab played with Franz Ferdinand on a massive spring tour followed by a stint of gigs in Australia. Bands taking turns in the opening slot for the recently announced tour include Ted Leo + Pharmacists, OK Go and Jenny Lewis with The Watson Twins.