Today in History and Celebrity Birthdays

Today in Music History for Feb. 18: In 1882, violinist Alfred De Seve, a native of Montreal, appeared with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Mendelssohn's ``Concerto in E Minor.'' In 1918, Herbert A.

Today in History for Feb. 16: In 1838, an act of the British Parliament suspended the constitution in Lower Canada. In 1872, the first session of the British Columbia legislature opened. In 1878, the silver dollar became legal currency in the U.S.

Today in Music History for Feb. 21: In 1893, classical guitarist Andres Segovia was born in Spain. Through concerts and recordings, he was largely responsible for the resurgence of interest in classical guitar in the 20th century.

Today in History for Feb. 22: In 1630, colonists in America got their first taste of popcorn. In 1732, George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born. He died in 1799. In 1819, Spain ceded Florida to the United States.

Today in Music History for Feb. 17: In 1904, Puccini's opera ``Madame Butterfly'' made its premiere at La Scala in Milan. It was booed off the stage. In 1936, bluegrass pioneers Bill and Charlie Monroe made their first recordings.

Today in History for Feb. 20: In 1666, explorer Rene-Robert La Salle arrived in New France and settled at Montreal. In 1725, the earliest recorded scalps were taken in New Hampshire, when white bounty hunters killed 10 sleeping natives.

Today in Music History for Feb. 19: In 1938, Canadian blues legend Dutch Mason, known as ``prime minister of the blues,'' was born in Lunenburg, N.S.

Celebrity Birthdays for Feb. 7: Author Gay Talese is 93. Soprano Lois McDonall is 86. Classical pianist Arthur Ozolins is 79. Comedian Robert Smigel (SNL, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog) is 65. Actor James Spader is 65.

Today in Music History for Feb. 7: In 1944, the first Canadian Kiwanis Music Festival opened at the Eaton Auditorium in Toronto. There were about 7,000 competitors. One of the winners was a 10-year-old pianist -- Glenn Gould.

Today in History for Feb. 7: In 1478, Sir Thomas More, lord chancellor of England during the English Reformation, was born.