EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (WPIX) - Forget about Barnum & Bailey, the greatest show on earth went down in East Rutherford, N.J. over the weekend.

New York radio station WQHT Hot 97 brought together the biggest acts of hip hop and R&B to one stage at Giants Stadium Sunday for Summer Jam 2009.

Thousands of fans crammed into the venue for a nearly sold-out show that boasted a historic lineup that matched up music veterans with up-and-coming rookies.

"I've been to a couple of Summer Jams, but this is so far the best!" chimed concert goer Jacqueline Cruz, who snagged a front row seat to the colossal event.

PHOTOS: HOT 97's SUMMER JAM 2009

Lily Allen celebrated the release of her new album It's Not Me, It's You with a secret show for her fans at the Bowery Ballroom. Matt and Kim and Trouble Andrew were supporting acts.

Lily's debut concert for the new album went off without a hitch. Her signature tongue in cheek style was on display throughout the evening and this NYC date was just the first of a series of global release shows.

Check out the gallery: Lily Allen/Matt and Kim Secret Myspace Show

Mixing rock with drops of blue-eyed soul, vintage R&B and melodic pop radio anthems, Parachute has arrived. The band met in high school, and their first single "She Is Love" is featured in a new Nivea commercial (see the jump).

The guys recently performed in Times Square for the New Year's Eve show alongside of the Jonas Brothers and Taylor Swift. The band prides itself on its live show, having toured with the likes of Jon McLaughlin, O.A.R., Switchfoot, Duffy and Matt Nathanson.

For more information on Parachute, visit www.myspace.com/parachuteva.

WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE AFTER THE JUMP...

It was a who's who of the biggest names in music at Z100's Annual Jingle Ball concert Friday, December 12, 2008. Z100, along with this year's impressive all-star line-up teamed up with Stand Up To Cancer to raise awareness and funds to accelerate ground-breaking cancer research. To learn more about Stand Up To Cancer, click here.

VIDEO: Exclusive interviews with Jingle ball's biggest performers, including Katy Perry, Brandy, Jesse McCartney, and David Archuleta.

PHOTOS: Z100's Jingle Ball 2008 at Madison Square Garden

Women perform at the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City. (William Wei, WPIX / October 22, 2008)

Last week, I went to see a handful of the 1,100 plus bands playing the CMJ Music Marathon, and it made me reflect on my youthful dream of being a rockstar. The first show I went to see featured up and coming Swedish singer Lykke Li at the Bowery Ballroom. I’ve only heard good things about her music and that’s how it remains since her crowd was at full capacity. Those who bought venue tickets could waltz in, but some of those who paid up to $495 for a CMJ Badge were relegated to a line that barely moved (luckily I received my badge for free).

Joss Stone hits the stage at the 10th Annual Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, L.A. (Jasper McNichols, WPIX / October 24, 2008)

With a historical election looming, talking politics became the ongoing theme for just about every act that hit the stage. Read how Voodoo artists got their politics on after the jump.

English singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason performed his new song "Good 2 U" and his classic "We Just Disagree" for us in our studio. Famss will remember him from rock band Traffic.

Mason's new album 26 Letters 12 Notes is available in stores now.

His singles include "Let It Go, Let It Flow," "Will You Stil Love Me Tomorrow?," "Every Woman," and "Show Me Some Affection."

For more information, log onto www.dave-mason.com.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW AND PERFORMANCES AFTER THE JUMP...

Last night Okkervil River played Webster Hall, the second of their two night stay there. This is the first time I've seen them in over a year, and they've released "the Stage Names" album since. On stage Will Sheff gave it his all, like usual. I thought the setlist was a little slow, but good none the less. I absolutely loved how they opened the show, changing "The President's Dead" and then going into "Black." Incredible. The rest of the set is after the jump.

East Village Opera Company have a new album called Olde School, available in stores now. They'll perform "Walk" and "King of the Night".

For information on the group and tickets, log onto www.eastvillageoperacompany.com.

WATCH THE PERFORMANCES AND INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP...

Move over Fall Out Boy and The Killers, there's a new band with a catchy pop sound.

Hailing from the Chicago area, critcs are saying The White Tie Affair sounds like a fusion of Justin Timberlake and AFI.

Their album Walk This Way is in stores now. Kristina Behr sat down with the band to find out who their biggest influences are, and their infamous appearance on The Hills.

For more information on The White Tie Affair, log onto www.thewhitetieaffair.com.

WATCH THE VIDEOS AFTER THE JUMP...

Music critics say, if you mix a blend of 60's soul, New Orleans swagger, and good old rock and roll, you'll have Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons.

Recorded mostly at his family's cabin in Wisconsin, the 6-song LP "Cabin Ghosts" is a collection of haunting melodies showcasing Chisel's expressive vocals. The album is available in stores now. They'll be performing Monday night, Sept 15th at The Living Room in New York. For ticket info and more in general, log onto corychisel.com.

She's a Brooklyn based singer/songwriter and model... Maiysha is a striking new figure who's taking charge of the progressive soul genre. With influences from the likes of David Bowie to Natalie Cole, Maiysha's sound is unlike any other.

Her album "This Much Is True" is in stores now. You can catch her at a live performance Thursday night at her album release party at Joe's Pub. For more information on her appearance, click here or log onto Maiysha's official website. Watch an exclusive interview with Maiysha after the jump.

New Kids On The Block are all grown up and back in the neighborhood with a new album, The Block, available in stores now.

The NKOTB band members are Jonathan Knight, Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood. And they already have two new singles under their belt -- "Summertime" and "Single".

This '80s band paved the way for the boy bands of the '90s such as N*SYNC, 98 Degrees and the Backstreet Boys, who recently reunited as well. New Kids On The Block made their debut in 1986 with a self-titled debut album and continued their success with their subsequent albums Hangin' Tough (1988), Step by Step (1990) and Face the Music (1994). The band disbanded in June 1994, soon after Face The Music's January 1994 release.

WATCH THE VIDEOS AFTER THE JUMP...

Critics are calling them a "mix between Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Carlos Santana." Danger Radio is continuing to defy genres and we were lucky enough to catch up with them while they were in town to get the scoop. Interview and performance after the jump.

Their album "Used and Abused" is in stores now.
To learn more about the band, visit their website at dangerradio.net