Details are sketchy, but it appears that the recent rumors are true: Iconic indie-rock outfit Pavement will reunite next year and perform—at the very least—at Central Park SummerStage on September 21. Yes, we know that’s more than a year away, but we also know that some of you are such rabid fans of Stephen Malkmus & Co. that you’ll probably start camping out now. Check Pitchfork and Brooklyn Vegan for more info.

“We welcome Jay-Z as an artist, a businessman and a philanthropist,” said Madison Square Garden media president Mike Bair at this morning’s press conference, held at MSG. The event was set up to support Jay-Z’s massive benefit show on 9/11, where 100% of proceeds go to New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund. There were eight different speakers onstage (and Beyoncé Knowles watched from the wings). But the flashing cameras were there for Jay-Z, taking on an almost stroboscopic effect as he stood to speak. The rapper’s first Blueprint album was released on September 11, 2001, and he talked about being in L.A. and watching that day’s events unfold on television (see video above.) The continuity in dates is what gave him the idea for this huge benefit, he said. “I saw footage of these heroic actions, people running into buildings and saving each other. And I saw the strength of New York and it made me proud. So as I was embarking on putting out The Blueprint 3, it was only right to revisit that day, and this is my chance to do something to help out.” Jay-Z (born Shawn Carter) had looked nervous sitting up on the stage, and he admitted he was a little shaky before thanking all the event’s sponsors for helping him see his vision through. “We’re gonna have a great time,” he said. “And bring your ear plugs, ’cause it’s gonna get loud.” Click past the jump to watch the Q&A session with Jay-Z.

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We’re not quite sure what to make of this: All Points West says that today hasn’t been canceled, but that the doors are being temporarily held. Here’s what’s up on the website:

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Due to the inclement weather, festival doors are being temporarily held. Keep an eye on the website for more information - we’ll update as soon as we have new information.

PLEASE NOTE: The festival today is NOT canceled.

Tonight’s lineup features Coldplay, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Elbow. Did the Brits bring the rain?

This just in: To mark the release of The Dead Weather’s Horehound album, Jack White’s Third Man Records will open a special pop-up store in NYC, which you can visit next Thursday and Friday  (July 16 and 17) only. Fans of the Dead Weather can snap up a copy of the record, as well as other bits of Third Man merch (last time we checked it had some lovely buttons) at 31 Chrystie Street, between Broome and Delancey, between 10am and 6pm. And yes, we hope as much as you do that it’s Jack behind the register.