News

The Earth Day Network has announced eight free U.S. concerts in celebration of Earth Day on April 20. According to a press release, each show will be held in a "landmark park" with numerous artists across all genres, including New York's Central Park (Ricky Skaggs, Big Head Todd & the Monsters), Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo (Derek Trucks, Me'Shell Ndegeocello), Miami's Bicentennial Park (Arrested Development, a reunited Menudo), San Francisco's Golden Gate Park (The Neville Brothers, Ziggy Marley), and Washington, DC's National Mall (The Roots, Gov't Mule, Thievery Corporation).

"We're combining music with compelling speech to raise awareness of the problem of global warming and inspire people to action," Earth Day Network president Kathleen Rogers said in a statement. "Earth Day 2008 will bring major talent and leaders together to empower people to become environmentally active."

"We're thrilled to announce this line-up and expect to reveal more names in the days to come," added Peter Shapiro, executive producer of the event's co-promoter, Green Apple Festival. "We owe endless thanks to the artists and their teams who care enough to underscore the urgency and message of this mission."

Earth Day 2008 initial lineups:

• New York, NY
• Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
• Big Head Todd and the Monsters
• Vusi Mahlasela
• Vienna Teng

Washington, DC

• The Roots & Friends
• Gov't Mule
• Toots & the Maytals
• Thievery Corporation
• Warren Haynes
• Umphrey's McGee
• DC Boys Choir
• City Dance

Chicago, IL

• Derek Trucks Band
• Dirty Dozen Brass Band
• Meshell Ndegeocello
• Chicago Afrobeat Orchestra
• Miss Lori Holton Nash
• The Gwalla Gwallas

Miami, FL

• Menudo
• Arrested Development
• Baby Loves Salsa
• Caravan of Thieves
• Dallas, TX
• Los Lonely Boys
• Martin Sexton
• Junior Brown
• Cas Haley
• The Steps
• George Stanford

Denver, CO

• The Neville Brothers
• The Benevento/Russo Duo
• Rose Hill Drive

San Francisco, CA

• Mickey Hart's Mass Drums
• Yonder Mountain String Band
• Brett Dennen

Los Angeles, CA

• Taj Mahal
• Ziggy Marley solo acoustic
• Juliette and the Licks
• School of Rock Hollywood Allstars
• The Frequency
• Coby Brown

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
03.27.08