Van Morrison to receive award

Taking place at the super-posh Wilshire Ebell hotel, the event coincides with the release of Van Morrison At The Movies, an 18-track compilation of the tunes that have soundtracked such blockbusters as Thelma & Louise, The King Of Comedy and Born On The Fourth Of July.
The President of the US-Ireland Alliance Trina, which organises the event welcomed the addition of Mr. Pacino: “Al agreed to participate because he is a great friend and fan of Van’s. It’s an added bonus that he also has a great interest in Ireland and the namesake of our event.”
Says EMI Music UK & Ireland head honcho Tony Wadsworth: “This award is fully deserving for a writer and creator of Van Morrison’s calibre. EMI is thrilled to be involved in this new compilation, which highlights Van’s immeasurable talent and his consistent ability to write songs that have moved generations of music lovers.”
Also honoured at the event will be screenwriter William Monahan, writer of the recent Martin Scorsese Irish American mafia film, The Departed, and critically acclaimed Belfast-born writer/director Terry George, of Hotel Rwanda fame.
Back in Van-land, April 27 to 29 finds The Man back in the States for the 38th Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which takes place across ten stages at the Fair Grounds Race Course.
Also on the bill are Rod Stewart, Norah Jones, Brad Paisley and the obligatory Dr. John.