As reported recently in this space, we had a bit of a delay in getting the latest edition of Eight Great Local Acts out. It was originally supposed to run on Feb. 26 but had to be postponed because we were unable to get all the acts shot in time (a few were rather uncooperative -- you know who you are). But things are coming along, and it looks like we'll be unveiling this year's model of our local-music spotlight on March 19. You shall be the first to know if that changes.

Also delayed a bit is the lineup announcement for the Independent's Hopscotch music festival, which was to have happened in mid-February. That announcement should be coming out the last week of March. Stay tuned...

Just about every print publication in America is in hunker-down mode nowadays, trying to hang on and ride out the recession. It takes real courage to launch anything bold and expensive in an environment like this, and The Independent Weekly is launching something that's plenty ambitious this fall: a music festival featuring around 120 bands playing in 10 venues around downtown Raleigh.

Dubbed Hopscotch, it will happen Sept. 9-11 at clubs including Slim's, Tir Na Nog and Pour House, plus big-name headliners tentatively playing at the new City Plaza (which means that organizers will be praying for no rain that weekend). Ticket prices will range from $50 to $120, with the lineup evenly split between local and out-of-town acts. Tickets go on-sale Feb. 17, when about two-dozen acts will be announced and a Hopscotch Web site goes online.