From Nello’s Page
Jay-Z has confirmed recent reports of launching a one-night only televised New York City concert next month in honor of the families and victims of the World Trade Center attacks from September 11, 2001.
The event, sponsored by Absolut Vodka, will take place at iconic sports arena Madison Square Garden.
To kick things off, Absolut and Madison Square Garden will host a once-in-a-lifetime benefit show featuring hip-hop impresario Jay-Z on September 11, 2009, to aid the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund www.answerthecall.org). The highly-anticipated performance will air live and commercial-free on Fuse TV at 9pm. The events of September 11 challenged Jay-Z as an entertainer and a New Yorker. This charity concert serves as not just a reminder of the lives lost but as a look towards the future and the hope that arose on September 12. (Hip Hop Press)
Hov also confirmed the concert with a written statement released today (August 24).
“This charity and concert encompass the true spirit of New York City,” Jay said in a statement. “We are asking everyone to ‘answer the call’ and support and honor the families of those that lost their lives in the line of duty. There is a true camaraderie and resiliency this city showed the world in 2001 and we continue that today by taking care of our own.” (Statement)
Despite showcasing a Grammy-winning rap star in one of the nation’s most franchised venues, all profits will go towards charity.
For this live event, 100 percent of the proceeds from ticket sales and concert merchandise will go directly to “New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund.” Since its inception, New York Police & Fire Widow’s & Children’s Benefit Fund has distributed over $114 million to the families of New York City police and fire personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Though the Benefit Fund was initially created to assist families of New York City Fire Fighters and Police Officers, the non-profit now includes the families of Emergency Medical Services and Port Authority Officers as well. For more information on the organization, go to www.answerthecall.org. (PR Newswire)
Reports from earlier today hinted at a big announcement being made later in the evening.
Jay-Z is expected to announce on Monday that he will give a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 11 for the New York Police and Fire Widows? and Children?s Benefit Fund, a charity created in 1985 to support the families of police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The concert, which comes on the day his new album, The Blueprint 3, will be released, will also be broadcast by Fuse, the cable music channel. Ticket information has not been announced. (New York Times)
