More bad news continues to pour in from New Orleans, as musicians rally to keep strong and help.
Associated Press had reported R&B legend Fats Domino was missing, but good news — he’s been rescued.
Harry Connick, Jr. calls New Orleans residents “freakishly strong”. Friday he’ll be part of a televised fundraiser with other musicians.
That fundraising concert is likely to be one of many, as musicians rally for the affected communities. Promoter John Vlautin has sent me information on a benefit in Denver; details on that event plus where to donate after the jump. (For more donation links, in case you’re not already inundated with them, see previous story.)
[Press Release]
Dave Matthews Band, Denver Mayor Hickenlooper and Chuck Morris Presents Announce Special Show for
Hurricane Katrina Victims
(DENVER) Mayor John Hickenlooper and concert promoter Chuck Morris held a news conference Thursday to announce a Dave Matthews Band Hurricane Katrina benefit concert, which is receiving official support from the City. The show will be held at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, on Monday, September 12, 2005.
Dubbed by Billboard.com on Wednesday as “the first act to come forward with a benefit show for Hurricane Katrina victims,” Dave Matthews Band already has three sold-out concerts booked for Red Rocks September 9-11. The new fourth show on September 12 will raise money for selected charities supporting the victims of Katrina which will be announced shortly.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday September 7th @ 10 AM
at all Ticketmaster ticket centers including Foley’s, Christy Sports, The Official Visitors Center 1600 California St. Ste 6, Angelo’s CD’s & More, and Tower Records.
Ticket Center hours may vary. Contact retailer to confirm hours of operation.
To charge tickets by phone, call (303) 830-TIXS or (719) 520-9090 or log on
@ www.ticketmaster.com.
A limited number of VIP tickets will be available. The remaining seats will be $58.50. Ticketmaster and the Band’s own direct ticketing company, Musictoday, will be donating their applicable service charges per ticket.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the communities that have been affected by Katrina,” said
Dave Matthews Band. “The devastation and human loss is heart breaking. We thank Mayor Hickenlooper and Chuck Morris for their efforts in making this benefit concert a reality in such a short period of time.”
“The hearts and prayers of the entire Denver metro area are with the residents and communities of the Gulf Coast,” said Mayor Hickenlooper. “Denver is grateful to Dave Matthews Band for giving our city an opportunity to demonstrate our support for the hurricane victims. We are fortunate to live in an incredibly generous community that will no doubt make this event a tremendous success.”
“The Band, Chuck Morris Presents, the Band’s supporting companies, as well as the promoter’s supporting companies, agreed to donate 100% of the profits from the show,” said Chuck Morris, President of Chuck Morris Presents. “It doesn’t surprise me that Dave Matthews Band has stepped up first to help this American tragedy.”
The City and County of Denver, which owns and operates Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Visitor Center, will donate any revenue it derives from parking, food, beverage and merchandise commissions to the hurricane relief effort. Additionally, the City has agreed to waive the rent for Dave Mathews Band benefit concert – a significant savings that will mean more money for the Katrina victims.
“We are working closely with Chuck Morris Presents to minimize all other expenses associated with this charitable performance at Red Rocks,” said Jack Finlaw, Director of Denver’s Theatres and Arenas Division. “Keeping the costs to a minimum will result in more money actually going to the victims of the disaster.”
Aramark Corporation, the food, beverage and merchandise concessionaire at Red Rocks, will donate to the hurricane relief efforts all of the net proceeds from the September 12 concession sales
and from the Chuck Morris Presents major donor pre-concert party in the Ship Rock Grille.
Its affiliate, Aramark Housekeeping Services, has also agreed to donate the maintenance services associated with the concert. Contemporary Services Corporation will donate the personnel services of its ushers, ticket takers, parking attendants and security.
Dave Matthews Band’s tour supporting companies that are contributing their help include Ultra Sound, TMS – lighting, Upstaging – trucking, Four Seasons – busses, Dega Catering and the DMB crew team.
The Conscious Alliance (www.ConsciousAlliance.org) will be hosting a food drive all 4 nights of DMB at Red Rocks to benefit the Houston Food Bank and its efforts to feed people affected by Hurricane Katrina (www.HoustonFoodbank.org). We know that in this time of need, the fans of DMB can donate enough goods to fill at 24 ft. truck, but our goal is to fill a semi.
Every patron that donates 5 non-perishable items will receive a raffle ticket for one of 5 posters signed by DMB each night. The raffle will take place at the Conscious Alliance booth, located in the upper-vending area of Red Rocks.
Most Need Items for Donation:
bottled water, hand-held snacks such as granola and energy bars, breakfast bars, beefy jerky, peanut butter, canned meals such as hearty soups, stews, chili, and/or pasta, plates, bowls, cups, and utensils, bleach, disinfecting household cleaning items, and diapers.