*Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora has entered a treatment facility in Los Angeles for an undisclosed problem, a spokeswoman for the band said last week. “He asks that you respect he and his family’s privacy,” her statement read.
*Ildar Abdrazakov has withdrawn as bass soloist from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s performances of Verdi’s Requiem this week because of travel-related difficulties. American bass Morris Robinson will sing the part. David Zinman will conduct the orchestra and chorus in concerts at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Symphony Center.
*Patrons of a downtown bar in Edwardsville were surprised when Tim Robbins strolled in and started jamming with a local band. The 48-year-old actor, who was in Illinois for his upcoming movie “The Return,” brought a guitar and played classic R&B at Laurie’s Place on Wednesday evening, The Telegraph of Alton reported.
*”More Shreks are coming!” said producer Jeffrey Katzenberg, flanked by “Shrek the Third” stars Cameron Diaz, Mike Myers and Justin Timberlake at a news conference in Berlin on Friday. In addition to a fourth movie, Katzenberg promised a half-hour animated TV special, “Shrek the Halls,” featuring the Shrek characters’ holiday traditions.
*A London judge sentenced George Michael on Friday to 100 hours of community service and banned him from driving for two years for driving under the influence of drugs. Michael, whose real name is George Panayiotou, pleaded guilty May 8 to a charge of driving while unfit through drugs.
*German choreographer Pina Bausch is a winner of this year’s $410,000 Kyoto Prize, which honors excellence in science and the arts.
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Personals was compiled by Alan Leo from Tribune news services and staff reports.
