Rock News: Music's high and low notes

GRAMMY AWARDS

Dave Matthews Band and rapper Nelly are among the latest acts confirmed to perform during the 44th annual Grammy Awards ceremonies later this month. They join previously announced performers U2, Alicia Keys and 'N Sync.

In addition, Billboard.com reports there will be a tribute to the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack by Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley, Gillian Welch, and the Soggy Bottom Boys.

Meanwhile, officials said Gloria Estefan and No Doubt's Gwen Stefani have joined the list of presenters, which already includes Janet Jackson, Diana Krall and Britney Spears.

The Grammys will be presented Feb. 27 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and air live on CBS-TV. "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart will host the ceremonies for a second year in a row.

U2 leads the field with eight nominations, including album of the year for "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (Interscope) and song of the year for "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of." Keys has six nominations, including one for best new artist.

WORLDSONG 2002

Joan Osborne and Shawn Colvin, with special guests Matthew Andrae and Deep Blue Something, will perform at WorldSong 2002 -- The Next Country Over.

The concert promoting world peace and harmony will take place Feb. 21 at the McKay Event Center on the Utah Valley State College campus in Orem, Utah.

WorldSong 2002 -- The Next Country Over is part of the WorldSong 2002 initiative, which consists of live music events and grass roots music education campaigns.

"The overall objective of the WorldSong initiative is to promote peace around the world by using music as a driving force to raise a greater awareness and appreciation of diverse world cultures" said Todd Young, CEO of WorldSong Entertainment.

"In light of recent events," added Andrae, "this initiative is now more critical than ever to help in reaching a higher understanding among all people of the world. We believe that protecting, educating and securing the future of our children is the best way to achieve this goal."

(Web site: worldsong.net)

EMINEM

Eminem's third full-length album is due to hit stores in April.

"The Eminem Show" is the follow-up to 2000's "The Marshall Mathers LP" and was co-produced by Eminem and Dr. Dre, according to RollingStone.com.

Part of one new song from the album, "Cleaning Out My Closet," is featured in trailers for "8 Mile," the rapper's quasi-biopic film debut. The soundtrack to the movie, scheduled for a summer release, will also feature new Eminem material.

BOYZ II MEN

Boyz II Men returns to its native Philadelphia this Saturday to perform at the NBA's "All-Star Saturday Night" (airing live beginning at 8 p.m. EST on TNT). The group will perform as part of a musical tribute to the City of Brotherly Love with a performance of their debut single, "MotownPhilly."

Also on the bill -- Daryl Hall & John Oates, McFadden & Whitehead, Musiq Soulchild and City High.

Meanwhile, Boyz II Men is wrapping up work on its 6th album -- and Arista label debut -- that's expected to be released this summer.

(Web site: arista.com)

BRANDY

Is she or isn't she? She is -- married, that is. MTV News reports that after months of speculation, Brandy disclosed Tuesday that she has been secretly married since last summer.

The singer and actress said she tied the knot with producer/songwriter Robert Smith. "I've fallen in love with a very warm, gentle, understanding and focused person," Brandy said in a statement. "This summer we married quietly. A new experience, a new day for me."

The announcement comes as Brandy prepares to release "Full Moon," her first album in four years, on March 5.

'CROSSROADS'

Britney Spears, Taryn Manning, Zoe Saldana, Anson Mount and Kim Cattrall are expected to attend the world premiere of their new film "Crossroads." The event is being held Monday at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

Also expected to attend -- Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees, Jon Voight, Rita Wilson, Melissa Joan Hart, Frankie Muniz, Danny Masterson, Alan Cumming, KISS's Paul Stanley, Brittany Murphy, David Hasselhoff, Jennifer Blanc, Clare Kramer and Josie Bissett.

The movie -- marking Spears' motion picture debut -- opens nationwide Feb. 15.