REDGORILLA GROWS

It's not affiliated in any way with South by Southwest, but the RedGorilla Music Fest certainly benefits from the traffic that SXSW brings to Austin, Texas.

For its 2008 edition, set for March 12-15, RedGorilla plans to present more artists playing in more venues -- 250-plus acts showcasing in various clubs along Austin's busy Sixth Street. And like previous years, RedGorilla '08 will be free and open to the general public.

Artists interested in showcasing can apply through Feb. 1. Visit www.redgorillamusic.com for more information.

RIMSHOTS

* With regard to a new Nickelback album, singer Chad Kroeger tells Billboard.com that "no one's in a hurry to do anything."
That's right, Chad -- you and the boys should just chill. The world isn't yearning for any new watered-down grunge right now.

** Lee Greenwood refused to take the stage last weekend for a show in Denver honoring veterans, police and firefighters; according to Greenwood’s manager, the concert organizer only came up with $14,000 of the "God Bless the USA" singer's $20,000 fee.
So much for the old saying "The show must go on." And how many days would it take for one of those being honored to earn the disputed $6,000, let alone the $20,000 in question?