Energetic tour

Torrance, Calif. – The hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas will headline the sixth annual Honda Civic Tour and help the automaker promote its new gas-electric hybrid model by giving away a customized car, which the group will help design.

In an announcement Friday that included a performance at the company’s American headquarters, members of the group, whose hits include “Let’s Get it Started” and “My Humps,” said they would showcase the one-of-a-kind, autographed vehicle at each tour stop.

The tour begins March 23 in Fresno.

Classical move

New York – Elvis Costello has found a new touring partner: a symphony orchestra.

The 51-year-old singer-songwriter, whose backing bands in the past have included The Attractions and The Imposters, will team up with symphonies around the U.S. for a tour this spring.

He’ll perform his orchestral work, “Il Sogno,” or “The Dream,” during the first part of each concert, according to his Web site. After intermission, he plans to play his eclectic rock and pop hits.

Costello marked his composing debut recently with “Il Sogno,” in which he blends classical and jazz styles. He released the work in 2004 as a 24-track album recorded by The London Symphony Orchestra.

The tour kicks off March 27 in San Francisco.

Vet bills overdue

Santa Maria, Calif. – Michael Jackson is being sued for unpaid bills by the veterinarian who tends to the pop star’s exotic animals at his Neverland ranch, which the singer has not occupied since being acquitted of child molestation charges last June.

Jackson has been living in the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, but the lawsuit was filed in Santa Maria, Calif., where he stood trial last year.

Martin Dinnes, owner of Dinnes Memorial Veterinary Hospital, alleges that Jackson owes $91,602 in veterinary bills. Dinnes helped the singer acquire animals for his zoo including flamingoes, giraffes, elephants and orangutans, said his lawyer, Brenton Horner.

Dinnes continues to treat the animals regularly, Horner said.

A hearing was set for May 2.