in case you're wondering why there's no summer MSG shows (or any at Sidewalk Cafe)

MSG (more by Dominick Mastrangelo)

While on the subject of venues, might as well catch up and post this…

Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena, is going dark for the summer — and top acts like Sade, Britney Spears and Taylor Swift are having to perform on the outskirts of the Big Apple as the renowned venue prepares for a long-term makeover.

MSG will spend the next three summers reconstructing its arena. That’s good news for New Jersey venues like the Prudential Center and IZOD Center, which are experiencing an increase in high-profile performers as a result. Even Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum is getting a small boost.

“MSG is the busiest arena and has been the busiest arena that I’ve seen in the States … and anytime you take out that supply, especially if you have an increase in demand, it’s going benefit the Prudential Center, and certainly we expect that to be the case,” said Jeff Vanderbeek, who owns the Prudential Center in Newark.

It’s a busy summer for top musical acts: Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block are on the road together, the cast of “American Idol” and “Glee” are performing live and hitmakers like Katy Perry and Rihanna — accompanied by Cee Lo Green — have tours. [AP]

Joe’s Pub is also currently closed for renovations, as is Sidewalk Cafe. That Rihanna Cee Lo show is at Nassau Coliseum tonight (7/19) and the Izod Center Thursday.