First came countless parties thrown around Los Angeles during the Democratic National Convention, culminating with a Barbra Streisand fundraising concert for the DNC that raised $5 million. Now a roster of celebrities have signed up to serenade Lieberman and Vice President Al Gore at a Sept. 14 fundraiser in New York City. “The Concert,” which will be held at Radio City Music Hall but not televised, is expected to bring in at least $2 million for the DNC.
“This has been the easiest show to book,” says John Sykes, VH1’s chief executive, who’s producing the event alongside Miramax’s Harvey Weinstein and Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner. “The first to say yes was Don Henley,” said Sykes. “My second call was to Lenny Kravitz, then Sheryl Crow, then Jimmy Buffett.” All were jazzed to join. “They’re calling up and saying, ‘What do you want me to do? How long do you want me to sing?’ There have been no special requests for limos or hotel suites or any of the crazy stuff that comes along with rock and roll.”
Others entertainers include Macy Gray, k.d. lang, Bette Midler and Paul Simon. Each will perform one to three songs during the two-and-a-half hour show, and the event will be hosted by Ben Affleck, John Cusack, John Leuizamo and Billy Bob Thornton. The celebrities are showing up free of charge.
“I hope we raise money, but more importantly, I hope to raise awareness,” continued Sykes. Each singer will have a chance to make a statement. “There are a lot of voters who have not yet focused on the election and the issues at stake, such as the women’s right to choose, gun safety and health care, which are issues that really divide the two parties and define what the candidates stand for.”
But what about Lieberman’s comments in the past about Hollywood’s “increasingly toxic popular culture”? Is all forgiven? “There are bigger issues at stake than the entertainment industry being called irresponsible in the past,” said Sykes. “I’m sure [Lieberman] still feels that way and will continue to speak about it in the future… But my support comes not as an executive, but as a husband and parent. The issues transcend any business issue I might have.”
And it looks like any political topics raised that night will get a lot of press. Sykes says every major entertainment outlet has expressed interest in covering the event. “This is the biggest group of artists showing up to support a candidate since the two inaugural balls.” And with ticket prices ranging starting as low as $125 (they go as high as $10,000), he hopes “some fans will make it in there.”
Well, then, entice us: Will Paul Simon sing “You Can Call Me Al,” which is increasingly becoming the veep’s victory song? Says Sykes, “Let’s just say, it’s been discussed.” Even in show biz, there are politics.
