p0626 BC-People 1stLd-Writethru 12-05 1448

Springsteen lends hand to aid high school band

ASBURY PARK, N.J. -- Bruce Springsteen and other musicians performing three benefit shows at Convention Hall this weekend will donate some of the proceeds to the Asbury Park High School band. The money will help buy uniforms and instruments for the band, which was resurrected two years ago with seven members and now features 25 musicians. The band also has been told that Springsteen, who earned his reputation playing clubs in Asbury Park, will donate 30 instruments.

Film festival will offer 'Cold Mountain' peek

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- "Cold Mountain," starring Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger and Jude Law, will be screened here nearly two weeks before its national release. The Dec. 13 showing will benefit the Virginia Film Festival. While most of the film was shot in Romania, the opening sequence and other scenes were shot in Virginia. "Cold Mountain," directed by Anthony Minghella ("The English Patient"), is based on Charles Frazier's acclaimed Civil War novel. It's scheduled for national release on Christmas Day.

Country singer glad she has control over career

NEW YORK -- At 21, LeAnn Rimes has already been in the music business for nine years -- and only now does she feel in control of her career. Rimes sued her father in 2000, alleging that he and former co-manager, Lyle Walker, had bilked her company out of more than $7 million over five years. Wilbur Rimes filed a countersuit against LeAnn Rimes Entertainment Inc. They settled the dispute in 2002. The Grammy-winning singer and Curb Records ended a yearlong legal standoff in 2001. Rimes had claimed she didn't understand the original contract she signed when she was 12.

'Joe Millionaire' star signs game show deal

NEW YORK -- "Joe Millionaire" star Evan Marriott will host the Game Show Network's new relationship show, "Fake-a-Date," which will premiere in March. On "Fake-a-Date," a contestant will date two singles, one looking for love and the other who's hoping to win a luxury trip with his or her significant other, the cable channel said Wednesday. The contestant must decide who is sincere. Marriott will offer advice and act as a confidante to participants. He'll also interview the contestant about the decision.

-- From wire reports