Neil’s new time to shine

Neil Diamond is so excited about his two latest projects, it’s like he has twins on the way.

Diamond’s concert DVD, “Hot August Night/NYC,” lands in Walmart stores today, while a companion TV special airs tonight on CBS.

“Basically I feel like an expectant father and I’m just nervously sitting around the waiting room hoping that the baby is healthy and happy,” says the 68-year-old singer.

The DVD, filmed during his Madison Square Garden show last summer, features more than two dozen songs, including classics such as “Sweet Caroline” and “Love on the Rocks.”

Diamond said he wanted to make a concert film for years and “just never got to it.”

“There’s something special when you play your hometown,” he said. “It makes me regret that I haven’t filmed previous tours, but I’m glad we got this one.”

Heart of gold

Speaking of musical Neils, 63-year-old rocker Neil Young has been named the 2010 MusiCares person of the year.

The annual award from the Grammy-related charitable foundation recognizes philanthropic work along with artistic accomplishment.

Blue, black and ivories

Elton John makes a surprise guest appearance on Alice in Chains’ tribute record to its late lead singer, Layne Staley.

John plays piano on “Black Gives Way to Blue,” the title track from the grunge rockers’ first studio album in 14 years.

The birthday bunch

Singer David Crosby is 68. Actor-comedian Steve Martin is 64. Actor Antonio Fargas (“Starsky and Hutch”) is 63. Actress Susan St. James is 63. Romance novelist Danielle Steel is 62. Cartoonist Gary Larson (“The Far Side”) is 59. Actress Jackee Harry is 53. Actress Marcia Gay Harden is 50. Singer Sarah Brightman is 49. Actress Susan Olsen (“The Brady Bunch”) is 48. Actress Halle Berry is 43. Actress Catherine Bell (“JAG”) is 41. Actress Mila Kunis is 26. TV personality Spencer Pratt (“The Hills”) is 26.