Patti Smith, Swell Season, Nada Surf Join Forces for Haiti Relief Concerts

Posted on Jan 16th 2010 11:00AM by Steve Baltin
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The first wave of concerts to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti has been announced and despite having only a few days to pull the bills together, the lineups are impressive. City Winery in New York will host four shows, January 20, 21, 24, and 25, with 100 percent of the proceeds from the gigs going towards Wyclef Jean's YELE organization.

Opening night will find Patti Smith, pictured, headlining, with support from the Swell Season, Josh Ritter, John Wesley Harding, the Antlers, and Young People's Chorus. The January 21 concert is another stellar roster with comedian Lewis Black, Vernon Reid and Corey Glover of Living Colour, Marshall Crenshaw, Rich Pagano And The Sugarcane Cups, David Johansen, Willie Nile, and Nada Surf lending their talent. Night three is led by Roseanne Cash, joined by Madeleine Peyroux, and the Croline Chocolate Drops. Finally the final show will be an indie collection of bands including The Bongos.

If the musical response to other recent disasters, from Hurricane Katrina's televised event featuring Usher, Green Day, Alicia Keys, Dave Matthews, and Faith Hill to tsunami relief concerts that saw the likes of Eric Clapton, Alice In Chains, and the Black Eyed Peas get involved, is any indication, these City Winery shows will be just the beginning of several high-profile gigs by musicians to help the devastated country.

For tickets and updates on these shows go to www.citywinery.com.