Portland, OR (WFN) -- "The Passion Of The Christ's" DVD release is increasing passion for other religious films. According to a study by Rentrak, rentals of "Ben-Hur" have increased 160 percent in the last week and there's been a 100 percent increase in the 1977 film, "Jesus Of Nazareth" and a 33 percent jump in rentals for the 1965 film, "The Greatest Story Ever Told."

BURBANK, Calif. -- The Material Girl has too much material for a two-hour televised concert. "Access Hollywood" reports that Madonna and CBS have canceled plans to televise a concert because Madonna refused to edit the show into a two-hour slot. Another bone of contention: Madonna wanted the show to air without commercial interruption and a CBS spokesperson says the network was "...not willing to do that."

OLYMPIA, Washington -- Indie songwriter Elliot Smith may be dead but his music will live on in the form of a live concert DVD set for release in November. "Elliot Smith: Olympia, Washington," will feature the "Good Will Hunting" songwriter in one of his last concert appearances without a backing band.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The phrase, "get the lead out," will soon have new meaning in Cleveland, Ohio. The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame will be holding a special tribute to blues pioneer Leadbelly, who popularized songs like "Midnight Special" and "Black Betty." The exhibit opens in November and will include an opening night celebration featuring Los Lobos and Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant.

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Tracy Chapman will be driving her fast car around the U.S. for a five-date benefit concert for drivingvotes.org which is encouraging Democrats to register to vote. Tickets went on sale last Friday (Sep. 10) for the tour called "Western Swing: An Evening with Tracy Chapman" which begins in Portland, Oregon, on Sept. 24.

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- In celebration of the release of Bernie Mac's new baseball film, "Mr. 3000" -- opening on Friday (Sept. 17) -- a donation of items from the film are being donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.

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