Columns

Amy Grant to headline  

New York State Fair 

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The New York State Fair has completed its 2002 grandstand concert lineup with the addition of Christian music singer Amy Grant. 

Grant, who recently released “Legacy ... Hymns & Faith,” will perform on Aug. 24, it was announced Thursday. The return-to-roots album marks the 25th anniversary of the 41-year-old singer’s career, and precedes a new album, “Simple Things,” aimed at the pop market, which is due out in September. 

Other entertainers scheduled to perform include Kenny Chesney, Phil Vassar, Alicia Keys, the Baha Men, Peter Frampton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alabama, Toby Keith and Brooks & Dunn. The fair will run Aug. 22-Sept. 2. 

Austin closes up  

popular hole in the wall 

AUSTIN, Texas — The Hole in the Wall, a nightclub near the University of Texas campus that was a fixture in Austin’s live music scene, has closed after 28 years. 

The Hole in the Wall shut down Sunday after a last night of business that turned into a party for regulars, musicians and newcomers. 

The club’s lease expired at the end of June, and the building is for sale for $972,000. Renting month to month was an option, but the bar’s liquor license was up for renewal in August. 

“The combination makes it difficult,” said co-owner Debbie Rombach. 

Over the past month, some prominent musicians revisited the Hole for a fund-raising festival, donating their take to help the bar pay its debts, which mostly includes back payroll taxes. The concert series, called 30 Days in the Hole, aimed to raise more than $15,000. 

The profits barely made a dent in the debt, Rombach said. 

She said she might reopen the Hole in another location if she can find a place where the rent isn’t too high. 

The Hole opened in 1974 as a neighborhood bar. Early on it was largely supported by the video arcade in the back room. From the first year, it was a music spot. 

Nanci Griffith played there in 1974, earning $15 a night, along with tips and drinks. Steve Earle, John Reed and Charlie Sexton have left their musical footprints there. 

Sony’s country  

catalog to grow  

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sony/ATV Music Publishing will buy the oldest and one of the richest song catalogs in country music from Gaylord Entertainment for $157 million. 

Acuff-Rose Music Publishing, founded by country singer Roy Acuff and songwriter Fred Rose in 1942, includes classics such as “Oh Pretty Woman,” “Bye Bye Love,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Tennessee Waltz.” Songwriters who once wrote for the company include Hank Williams Sr., Don Gibson and Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. 

Sony/ATV Music Publishing already owns a vast catalog including songs by the Beatles, Willie Nelson, Stevie Nicks, Pearl Jam and Babyface. Michael Jackson is a partner in the publishing company, which has administrative headquarters in Nashville. 

“We have been entrusted with a real treasure,” said Paul Russell, chairman of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. “Our first priority will be to maintain the integrity and quality of the Acuff-Rose catalog while raising its profile with new generations of performers.” 

The deal, which must be approved by federal antitrust regulators, is expected to close in August.