Editor's Note: First Notes is a weekly update of recent happenings in the world of music.

* A hologram of Michael Jackson performed at the Billboard Music Awards last night, leading to debates of "was that creepy or cool?"

(Michael Jackson Experience to Rock 2014... by HumanSlinky)

* Apple's $3.2 billion purchase of Beats Electronics is expected this week.

* Not everyone loved, or understood, St. Vincent's performance on Saturday Night Live.

* The WBT Briarhoppers will celebrate their 80th anniversary at the McGlohon Theater on Aug. 30.