Michael J. Fox to play newscaster in NBC’s yet-to-be-named sitcom

PASADENA (AP) - On his upcoming NBC comedy, Michael J. Fox will play a newscaster who had quit his job due to Parkinson's Disease but returns to work in the show's first episode because a new medical regimen has helped him control many of the disease's symptoms.

Ex-La. governor convicted of corruption gets cable TV show

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards will star on a new cable TV show with the woman he married after his release from federal prison on a corruption conviction.

‘Chainsaw 3-D’ carves out No. 1 debut with $23M at box office

LOS ANGELES (AP) - It took Leatherface and his chainsaw to chase tiny hobbit Bilbo Baggins out of the top spot at the box office.

Award-season film hopefuls stop at Palm Springs festival

PALM SPRINGS (AP) - The Award Season Express made its first stop of the new year in the middle of the desert a couple hours east of Hollywood at the annual Palm Springs International Film Festival gala.

Entertainment news briefs

• Rare color photos of The Beatles to go up for sale: LONDON (AP) - Unpublished early color photographs of The Beatles' first U.S. tour will be sold at a U.K. auction.

R&B artist Keith Sweat appearing Feb. 17 on Bob Hope Theatre stage

STOCKTON – Rhythm and blues artist Keith Sweat is performing Sunday, Feb. 17, at 8 p.m. at the Bob Hope Theatre.

Blues & urban soul kick start 2013 concerts at The State

MODESTO - Two concerts start of 2013 at the Modesto State Theatre. Master harp-blower Mark Hummeland his all-star line-up of harmonica greats perform a tribute to the legendary Jimmy Reed on Thursday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28, $38 and $45. Then on Wednesday, Jan. 16, starting at 8 p.m. The State offers a night of East Bay Funk with Tower Of Power. Tickets are $40, $45, and $50. Mark Hummel's Blues ...

Loki Rhythm performs Jan. 12 at Coffee House

STOCKTON - Loki Rhythm is performing at the Emerson Coffee House to celebrate musical sounds from around the world on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.

Quilt show at Modesto Centre Plaza Jan. 19-20

MODESTO - Country Crossroads Quilt Guild of Modesto is presenting the 2013 "Heart of the Valley" Quilts and Textile Arts Show, Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20, at Modesto Centre Plaza, 10th and K Street in Downtown Modesto.

Manteca comedian, singer team up at Fat Cat Saturday

It doesn't take Chris Teicheira long to fill-up a comedy roster. Over the last few years he's been able to make connections throughout Northern California, and whenever he plans on putting a show together it takes less than a handful of phone calls to get the commitments necessary to put quality acts together. But he went a different route when planning the upcoming "2 Comics and 1 Zilch" show this weekend at Modesto's Fat Cat ...

Blues & harmonica part of Modesto concert

MODESTO - Award-winning Alligator Records artists Rick Estrin and Joe Louis Walker will perform on Thursday, Jan. 10, at The State Theatre in Modesto.

Concert celebrates Elvis’ birthday at Rancheria

JACKSON - Jackson Rancheria celebrates Elvis' Birthday with a big bash in the Grand Oak Ballroom at the Jackson Rancheria Hotel on Sunday, Jan. 8. The show is at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Golden Bough’s Manteca concert this Saturday features Celtic Christmas music

Golden Bough is presenting "Christmas on Celtic Land" on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Manteca Kindred Arts concert series.

Alligator recording artists Rick Estrin, Joe Louis Walker performing at State Theatre

MODESTO - Award-winning Alligator Records artists Rick Estrin and Joe Louis Walker will perform on Thursday, Jan. 10, at The State Theatre in Modesto.

Lathrop committee lists holiday parade results

LATHROP - The City of Lathrop Mayor's Holiday Parade Committee has announced the results of the 2012 Holiday Parade "Holiday Around the World."

Bill & Lucille Harris gain Hall of Fame nod

Bill and Lucille Harris - champions in the tort reform movement, astute business people, and supporters of education - are being inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame. Other members of the Class of 2013 are Jack Miller, athletics; Mike Henry, education; George Abdullah, Government; Greg Leland, education; Karl Konrad Wolf, health care; Randy Ernest Albertsen, athletics; and David Bricker, community service. Bill (who has passed away) and Lucille Harris were nominated for induction in ...

Elvin Bishop playing Isleton Cajun & Blues Festival in June