Jay-Z Around Town
With a new, critically acclaimed album out and a refocused approach to his craft, Jay-Z took the stage twice this week in the Big Apple. For the relatively intimate events at Hammerstein and The Apollo, there was no shortage of friends and guests out to show support for Hov's return to form. Diddy, Nas, Lil Wayne and...Lebron James (?!?) all made appearances between the two shows. Lebron skipped a game to attend a concert, threatening to blackmail his coach if he didn't get more playing time. Oh wait...

The Hammerstein show will be webcast Sunday afternoon, if you're looking to peep the star studded performance once more. (pic via The Digital Streets)

Van Halen @ MSG
While few truly believed that this would actually come together and play out, sure enough, Van Halen has gotten along and stayed together long enough to swing through New York City this week on their reunion tour. Considering how big a deal it was when David Lee Roth merely appeared on stage with the rest of the gang 11 years ago at the VMAs, the fact that they've held it together this long on tour is somewhat impressive. We're a bit surprised that so many people still care 20 years after Roth last sang with the group, but a sold out Garden speaks for itself, and these guys can still put on a show. And for those curious, Sammy Hagar will be at the Tyson Event Center in Sioux City, Iowa tomorrow night. Good seats still available...

Speaking of Big-Time Reunions
When we last saw Mr. Brownstone, AKA "The World's Drunkest Guns and Roses Cover Band, " they were playing their final show ever at a sold out Bowery Ballroom. But that was over a year ago, and you can't keep a bored tribute band down that long. The boys headlined Bowery Ballroom once again last Saturday night, but not before stopping by Gothamist last week on their whirlwind publicity tour. Good times for all.