News bits: Beastie Boys, Harvey Danger, more

Kevin Bronson on
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Beastie Boys have canceled upcoming concert appearances – including a Sept. 24 date at the Hollywood Bowl – and pushed back the release of their new album “Hot Sauce Committee Part 1” after band member Adam “MCA” Yauch was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland. The cancer is considered treatable, and Yauch said in a video announcement he would undergo surgery next week. [Info for Bowl ticket-holders here.]

‣ Farewell: Very sad to see Harvey Danger announce its demise, a decision that announcement on the band’s website calls “totally mutual and utterly amicable.” The Seattle band, unfairly recognized as a one-hit wonder for “Flagpole Sitta,” will do a short farewell tour, including a date Aug. 22 at Largo. And, nothing whatsoever against Largo, but Largo? I’m not sure I can remain seated while listening to Harvey Danger.

‣ Farewell 2: “We’re a dysfunctional bunch,” the post on the Mae Shi’s MySpace blog says, trying to explain the fissure between co-founder Jeff Byron and the trio of Jon Gray, Bill Gray and Jacob Safari, who are leaving to form Signals. No kidding. If you like soap operas, Classical Geek Theatre has a good take on it. Hope all these guys get it together – it’s a shame to have more drama than good songs.

‣ Summer fun: A lot of people have asked me about this: Yes, Little Radio will be having its “Summer Camp” parties this year – starting Aug. 2 in a parking lot near its new downtown location. No details on bands yet; stay tuned.

‣ Robert Francis: The singer-songwriter has unveiled his first new song since he signed to Atlantic. “Nightfall” is streaming on his MySpace page. Kinda of Nick Cave, maybe? Very, very good.

‣ Benefit: Glenn Phillips and Sara Bareilles will be among the performers Aug. 12 at the Troubadour for a benefit show for NYC singer-songwriter Kelly Buchanan, who is recovering from a head injury sustained in a 2008 street hockey game. Buchanan suffered what doctors call “traumatic brain damage” after being hit in the forehead by a ball. She’s been unable to tour behind her fourth album, and the performers at the benefit, co-presented by ASCAP, will cover her material as well as play their own songs.

‣ The future: Upcoming residencies I’m looking forward to – Local Natives at Spaceland in August, Dawes at the Detroit Bar in August and Saint Motel at Spaceland in September.