MUSIC NEWS: MONDAY, JULY 31, 2017

(OBIT-DL-Menard)

D-L Menard, the Cajun musician whose song ``The Back Door'' became an anthem for his culture has died at the age of 85. 

Menard's music carried him to 38 countries on State Department tours. 

He died Thursday at the home where he lived with his granddaughter in Scott, Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Funeral Services and Crematory in Broussard website.

(The Associated Press)

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PEOPLE-Garth Brooks-Trisha Yearwood

Married country stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are handing out wedding gifts to fans. 

Jude and Jamie Blanchard attended Brooks' show in Lafayette, Louisiana, last month with a sign that read -- ``Best Week Ever, Garth this Friday, our wedding next Friday.'' 

Brooks took notice and serenaded them with ``To Make You Feel My Love.'' 

He also asked if they wanted anything off their wedding registry, and Jamie passed along a wedding invitation to the stage.

(The Associated Press)

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Musicians offer reward after Georgia club burglarized

Musicians are offering a reward for information about a burglary at a popular music venue in Georgia. 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Athens-Clarke County police spokesman Sgt. Jim Schultz says the 40 Watt Club in Athens was burglarized early Friday. A talent buyer for the club, Velena Vego, says more than $20,000 worth of house equipment was stolen.

Vego says the electronic equipment has the club's name engraved on it. 

The nearly 40-year-old club has changed locations several times, and has been described by Rolling Stone as ``legendary.'' 

On Friday, David Lowery of Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker tweeted he would offer $5,000 for an arrest and conviction. Mike Mills of R.E.M. offered another $5,000, and Jason Isbell followed suit Saturday, bringing the pot to $15,000. 

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Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, http://www.ajc.com

(The Associated Press, AP Member)