McGraw Leads Katrina Aid

Louisiana natives Tim McGraw, Harry Connick, Jr., and Wynton Marsalis are among the artists set to perform on the A Concert for Hurricane Relief telethon, which will air live on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC on Friday, September 2nd, at 8 p.m.

The hour-long event, hosted by Today show's Matt Lauer, will feature appearances by musicians and celebrities with local ties to the areas damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund through its Web site and donation hotline, 1-800-HELP NOW.

According to New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, thousands are feared dead, and residents who failed to evacuate the flooded, below-sea-level city have no drinkable water, no electricity and are combating widespread looting. A mandatory evacuation was instated today by Governor Kathleen Blanco. President Bush said today that the recovery effort in the ravaged Gulf Coast could take years.

Further details and additional performers for the telethon are expected to be announced shortly.