R.E.M., Pearl Jam heading to Seattle to help hunger

R.E.M., top, Matthews and Pearl Jam are among the artists confirmed to perform at Groundwork 2001.

By Shanon Cook
CNN

(CNN) -- The fight against world hunger will move to Seattle, Washington, in October when the city hosts Groundwork 2001, a nine-day awareness and fund-raising event.

Joining the lineup to help feed the world will be R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Alanis Morrisette, Dave Matthews and other performers

The concerts will take place October 14-22, and are timed to coincide with World Food Day on October 16.

Madonna will chair the event, although she has yet to confirm whether she actually will appear.

"Food is our most intimate link with the earth," she said in a statement on the Groundwork 2001 Web site. "The lack of food cuts to the core of our dignity; its greatest casualty is hope. Together we can ensure that Groundwork 2001 brings long overdue awareness to practical solutions to the fight against hunger."

The event is part of the TeleFood Campaign which raises funds for the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Organizers say proceeds will go toward small food-producing programs in troubled spots around the globe.

The Seattle affair will be the first time an FAO event has been held in North America. Previous benefits have been held at the Vatican, Egypt's Great Pyramids and in Jamaica.

A compilation CD titled "Groundwork -- act to reduce hunger" is expected to come out in October featuring unreleased tunes from Madonna, Moby, David Gray, Sheryl Crow and others.

More musicians will join the performance list for Groundwork 2001, which will be broadcast live on television and the Web, organizers say. Tickets go on sale August 25.

The concert schedule:

Oct. 14, Paramount Theater: Blind Boys of Alabama, Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois, Dave Matthews (solo performance).

Oct. 17, Experience Music Project: Chris Whitley, The Wallflowers, Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros.

Oct. 18, EMP: DJ Nasir, DJ Cheb I Sabbah, Afro Celt Soundsystem.

Oct. 19, EMP: Shawn Smith, The Gents, Ann & Nancy Wilson.

Oct. 20, EMP: Chocolate Genius, Joe Henry, Michael Franti & Spearhead.

Oct. 22, Key Arena: Femi Kuti & the Positive Force, Mana, Alanis Morissette, Pearl Jam, R.E.M.