Boston’s biggest artists are set to perform a benefit for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. New Kids on the Block, Aerosmith, James Taylor and Dane Cook among others are heading to Beantown on May 30 for Boston Strong: An Evening of Support and Celebration.
While additional artist will be announced in the weeks to come, Jason Aldean, Boston, Jimmy Buffett, Extreme, Godsmack, The J. Geils Band, Carole King and Steven Wright are all confirmed to perform at the benefit. Proceeds will go to The One Fund Boston, whose founders, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, created to assist Bostonians “most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15,” according to a press release.
NKOTB member Donnie Wahlberg said he hoped the event would entertain and inspire. “Like so many other proud Bostonians who have been extremely generous, we are honored to step up and do our part to help the victims and their families,” Wahlberg said. “Hopefully this event will not only raise money, but spirits as well.”
Other Boston natives who might be called upon — or volunteer — to perform include Frank Black, Bobby Brown, Aimee Mann, Al B. Sure, Rob Zombie and Amanda Palmer, the latter of whose poetry drew attention on the internet in the days after the April 15 bombings. Meanwhile, acts such as Neil Diamond and Kenny Chesney have already joined the fund-raising efforts: Chesney launched his own fund to benefit the Boston Medical Center, while Diamond announced that he will donate all of the royalties from his song “Sweet Caroline,” which has been played at every Red Sox game in more than a decade.
More artists have weighed in with MTV News about the bombing in recent days. Snoop Lion to everyone to “wake up” when he appeared on “RapFix Live” last week to bring awareness to his anti-gun campaign. And rapper Slaine took down the media’s juxtaposition of violence and hip-hop.
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