More NYC Katrina Benefits

In addition to the fantastic-looking September 20th Katrina Benefit at MSG AND this last minute other benefit show tonight, Sept. 15, there’s this nearby:

New York, September 12, 2005 – Radio City Music Hall will also host its own “From The Big Apple to the Big Easy,” New York City’s Concert for the Gulf Coast, coinciding with the All-Star concert being held at Madison Square Garden on September 20th.

This is the first time that the two legendary venues – the World’s Most Famous Arena and the Showplace of the Nation – have joined together to hold simultaneous benefit concerts.

So…who’s playing?

Appearing on the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall as part of “From the Big Apple to the Big Easy” will be Dave Matthews; Tom Waits; Trey Anastasio; John Mayer Trio; Joss Stone; The Meters; Galactic with the Mardi Gras Indians; Ray Lamontagne. Additional artists to be announced soon.

Additionally, Madison Square Garden announced several new performers that will join its All-Star line-up at the Garden, including Elvis Costello; Diana Krall; Simon & Garfunkel; Clarence “Frogman” Henry; Dave Bartholomew; Irma Thomas; Kermit Ruffins and Troy “Tromboneshorty” Andrews. They will perform with previously announced performers: Bette Midler; Elton John; Jimmy Buffett; John Fogerty; Lenny Kravitz; Ry Cooder; Steve Nicks; Fats Domino; the Neville Brothers; Buckwheat Zydeco; the Meters; Allen Toussaint; the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and The Rebirth Brass Band. Rod Stewart can no longer participate due to injury.

It’s really too bad they had to put Rod Stewart on the DL, but this will open up a much-needed roster spot for a fireballing reliever. Makes the manager’s job much easier. Hopefully he’ll be on the field in Clearwater for Spring Training, though.

Now, as for how the Meters will be playing both shows, that’s beyond me. It won’t be too tough, as the venues aren’t that far apart, but that would be some Houdini s*** right there.

Tickets for the Madison Square Garden event are on sale now. Tickets for the Radio City Music Hall event go on sale Thursday, September 15th at 10:00am.