Stars Line Up for Relief Effort Fund-Raisers

Oct. 19 -- For music fans, this is turning into one busy fall.

Marathon concerts are going on all across the country as entertainers use their star power to raise funds for relief efforts in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Three are planned for this weekend, with New York, Washington, D.C., and Nashville, Tenn., hosting separate events.

The goodwill efforts mark a stark contrast from last year, when the music industry came under fire for what critics called gratuitously violent and sexual lyrics.

Performers are now cramming to fit benefit concerts into their busy schedules, while trying to decide how to proceed with their own tour schedules in light of the attacks.

McCartney Croons in New York

Paul McCartney, who spread his share of peaceful anthems during his days with the Beatles, put together the "Concert for New York," set for this Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

The event is sold out, but will be broadcast live for five hours on the cable music channel VH1. Viewers are encouraged to phone in donations to benefit the families of the fallen firefighters, police officers and rescue workers in the World Trade Center disaster.

McCartney is being joined by some of his contemporaries, including The Who and Mick Jagger. David Bowie is expected to begin the night with his song "Heroes," and Elton John may debut a new song he's written about New York.

Younger acts include Destiny's Child and Marc Anthony. Actors Susan Sarandon, Jim Carrey and Michael J. Fox are also participating.

And for those who want to be able to listen to the performances again and again, the event is being recorded and will be released on a double CD later in the year.

Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll

Teen pop will dominate Sunday when the attention shifts to Washington's RFK stadium for the "United We Stand" concert.

The sold-out event will benefit the Pentagon relief efforts, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Audiences will find some relief from the somber subject matter with performances by Michael Jackson, 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys. Also performing: Pink, Faith Evans and Bette Midler.