The successful NBC-TV program The Sing-Off, featuring Ben Folds on the panel of judges, has been renewed for a third season, according to a NBC-TV press release. We mentioned during last December’s run that New York Times media reporter Bill Carter predicted that the show would see a third run, based on its performance  which gave NBC a win in the ratings column for the nights it was on. Ben hasn’t announced if he’s returning, but I’d say it’s likely, given his contributions to the program and the exposure he’s received.
Announcements
Tulsa show to be rescheduled
Ben announces in a Tweet that the February 1 show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been cancelled due to the impending major snowstorm expected to affect the area. The show will be rescheduled at a date to be announced. Cain’s Ballroom says tickets will be good for the replacement show. It’s not so much that the band can’t get there, but many fans wouldn’t be able to make it and Ben didn’t want people to have to miss the show and waste a ticket. We’ll have information on the rescheduled show as soon as it’s available.
Lonely Avenue songbook available
Our partner in published music, Sheet Music Plus, now has the songbook for Ben’s album Lonely Avenue available. The book, published by Alfred Music Publishing, is the officially-licensed piano and vocal sheet music transcription from the 2010 album that combined Nick Hornby’s lyrics with music by Ben. Order your copy and learn to play and sing along.
Street Corner Symphony opening
The Nashville a cappella group Street Corner Symphony, recent contestants on NBC’s The Sing-Off who performed Gone with Ben on the finale, will be opening for him at the next few shows, starting January 23 in Minneapolis and ending February 1 in Tulsa. Details on the tour dates page.  Ben sat in with Street Corner Symphony and the Whiffenpoofs of Yale University, also a Sing-Off contestant, at a recent show at Nashville’s Exit/In.
Upper Midwest tour dates
Continuing the Lonely Avenue tour, dates have been announced for several US Midwestern venues in January, including Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Madison, St. Louis, Athens and Champaign. Details on the tour dates page. Update: Also a show at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.
