NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Lawyer: Trey Songz, prosecutors negotiating in assault case

DETROIT

An attorney for Trey Songz says the singer is in negotiations with prosecutors to reduce a felony assault charge stemming from a concert in Detroit.

Songz appeared via video Friday in Wayne County Circuit Court.

Charles Longstreet II says Songz, whose real name is Tremaine Neverson, maintains his innocence and “doesn’t want to take a plea at this time.”

The 32-year-old R&B artist faces trial after being charged in December with aggravated assault and assaulting a police officer. Authorities say microphones and speakers were thrown from the Joe Louis Arena stage. A police sergeant was punched.

Police have said Songz became upset when told to end his performance.

Prosecutors say the plea calls for two years’ probation and drug and alcohol screening.

A court conference is scheduled for Thursday.

Kerouac’s 95th birthday celebrated in hometown

LOWELL, Mass.

Fans of Jack Kerouac are celebrating what would have been the Beat Generation writer’s 95th birthday in his hometown.

The “On the Road” author was born in Lowell, Mass., on March 12, 1922. The city threw him a party Saturday, the day before his actual birthday.

Things kicked off at noon with a public tour of Pollard Library, which is said to have played a pivotal role in shaping the young Kerouac’s literary consciousness and ambitions.

That was followed at 1 p.m. with a presentation and discussion of some of Kerouac’s more obscure works.

The festivities concluded at 7:30 p.m. with a “Happy Birthday Jack!” concert at Zorba’s Music Hall featuring the Neverly Brothers band.

Fans of Kerouac read passages from his books between musical sets.

Associated Press