Hurricane Benefit: Build a Levee

Saturday December 3, 2005 8pm

Celebrated singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant and jazz/blues legend and multiple Grammy Award-winner Dr. John, along with special guest artists, will perform a benefit concert to support continuing relief efforts for Gulf Coast hurricane victims. Organized by Hudson Valley Levee Board, a group of Hudson Valley residents, many with New Orleans roots, the benefit concert will be held at Bard College’s Fisher Center, which is donating the venue and support staff for the fundraiser. The concert, “Build a Levee,” begins at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, with doors opening at 7:00 p.m.

Benefit tickets are $100, with all proceeds going directly to support hurricane response through the Disaster Services division of the Louisiana chapter of the Salvation Army. Funds will help support both short-term relief and long-term recovery for the New Orleans area. The full-length acoustic concert will feature sets by Natalie Merchant and Dr. John, as well as duets and appearances by special guests. Merchant and Dr. John have performed together only once before, at the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Special guests will be announced as they are confirmed.