The new film Silver Jew will look back at influential indie-rock band Silver Jew’s first world tour. The documentary, directed by  Michael Tully, focuses on the group’s first visit to Israel in the spring of 2008. Group leader David Berman founded the Silver Jews in 1990 with future Pavement members Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. Though the group has regularly released records, Berman opted to stay off the road for the better part of the last decade. In 2005, the visionary's newfound devotion to Judaism changed his mind and the group reunited for its first world tour. He currently tours with a rotating cast of musicians, which occasionally includes Malkmus.

“Our only goal was to capture the moment as intimately and unselfconsciously as possible,” Tully says.  “I wanted to make something that would be more universal, a film that would appeal to people who had never even heard of David Berman. The result is a film that can¹t be easily categorized‹it is both a tour document and a travelogue.”  

Silver Jew will screen at Austin’s Alamo Lamar March 11 at 11:30AM and March 14 at 4:30PM. Both performances fall during SXSW.

In other news:

Galactic to Make Good 

Chick and Bela 

Brenna and the Bomb Squad

UM in the SE 

Split Lip Rayfield’s Kirk Rundstrom Passes Away at 38

Billy Martin and John Medeski will release a new album without Chris Wood entitled MAGO. The disc features Medeski on organ and Martin on Drums, running through a number of new compositions which mix the group's experimental roots with more soul and southern driven music. MAGO will be released on Martin's Amulet records. This is not the

first time two members of MMW have paired off for a new project. Medeski recently produced Chris Wood's collaboration with his brother Oliver Ways, Ways Not to Lose. MMW will perform at Guadalajara, MX's Teatro Diana tomorrow.

In other news:

The Doors have lost another lead singer. Ian Astbury, who has toured with the remaining remembers of the Doors for the past fours years, has officially parted ways with the group. Astbury made his name as The Cult's lead singer and partnered with keyboardist Ray Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger to form the Doors of the 21st Century.

After a few years of legal issues the group changed its name to Riders On The Storm and recently completed a sold-out 13-date tour of Europe. Now Astbury has decided to focus on The Cult once again and has reformed the group with guitarist Billy Duffy.  "I have decided to move on and focus on my own music and legacy," Astbury says. "I have enjoyed performing and sharing the stage with Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger immensely. I have learned a great deal from the both of them, and it certainly has expanded my abilities as a performer. This has been a difficult decision to make but I feel I would be holding  them back as well as myself if I did not depart at this time. Great love and respect to all the fans. Thank you for everything you have shared with me...."

While there is no word as of press time on his possible replacement, Riders On The Storm manager Tom Vitorino stated that the band will continue to perform and is currently considering a very short list of vocalists.

In other news:  

My Morning Jacket to Play the Prom

Michael Brecker Memorial Held in NYC Tonight

Brothers Past, The Brew and the Gratefully Deadicated Sound System to Appear Late Night at Snoe.down

Winter Jamfest “Voices”

A Shanti Slice of Hot Buttered Rum

The Slip, Spearhead and Ozomatli Join the Beastie Boys, Bjork and the Arcade Fire at Sasquatch!

Another “Onamae Wa” for the Disco Biscuits

Artistic director Philip Glass has once again locked in another unique collection of artists to celebrate the Tibetan New Year. The Tibet House’s 17th Annual Carnegie Hall Benefit will take place on Monday, February 26, 2007 at 7:30PM. A number of Glass’s longtime friends, associates and  Tibet House Benefit alumni will grace the bill once again, including: Laurie Anderson, Deborah Harry, Ray Davies, Lou Reed, Patti Smith and Michael Stipe. Meanwhile, Ben Harper, and Sigur Rós will be newcomers to the event.

The evening not only serves as celebration of the Tibetan New Year but also functions as a charitable endeavor with this year’s proceeds directed to the Tibetan Association of New York and New Jersey, Farm Aid and the Karin Berg Fund for the Myositis Support Group. In addition to the concert  proper, a buffet dinner party will follow with a number of the artists. Tickets for the music and after-party dinner are available through the Tibet House site,  http://www.tibethouse.org.