Morning Brief: December 4

There’s a bit more fanfare when Rockefeller Center lights their Christmas tree than when you plug yours into the wall. Expect big crowds around the plaza for performances by Mary J. Blige, the Goo Goo Dolls, Kelly Clarkson and more. Click here for timing and how to get there.

WEATHER
A bit warmer with a high of 51 and mostly cloudy skies.  Rain expected for the evening, but it’ll keep things warm with a low of 47. [Full forecast].

NEED TO KNOW

The Metro North engineer on the train that crashed and killed four over the weekend was dozing off. [NY Times]

Billy Joel’s being billed as MSG’s newest franchise. He’ll start playing monthly shows in January. [Crain’s]

Albany’s public corruption commission is recommending statewide reforms like public campaign financing—similar to what the city already does. [WNYC]

SPORTS.

The Nets fell to Denver 111-87

And the Islanders lost to Pittsburgh 3-2 in overtime.

Tonight, the Devils host Montreal at 7 P.M.

ON STAGE TONIGHT

Elton John and his band @ Madison Square Garden

Michael McDonald @ the Paramount

Alice Smith (with Rebecca Jordan) @ the Bowery Ballroom

David Sanborn @ the Blue Note

Esperanza Spalding Chamber Music Society @ the Village Vanguard

WFUV PRESENTS: Los Lobos with Amy Helm and the Handsome Strangers @ the Bergen Performing Arts Center

TODAY'S HISTORY
On this day in 1991, the once-powerful and innovative airline Pan Am goes bankrupt and ceases operations.

WFUV's Morning Brief is published each weekday morning at 5 a.m. Do you have an event or news item that should be included? Email cryan@wfuvnews.org or leave a comment below.