The Roots, Perry Farrell Set for David Byrne, Talking Heads Tribute

The Roots, Perry Farrell, Rufus Wainwright and Sleigh Bells frontwoman Alexis Krauss will lead an all-star tribute to David Byrne and Talking Heads at Carnegie Hall on March 23rd.

The initial lineup for the show also boasts ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Beth Orton, O.A.R., Steve Earle, Todd Snider, Forro in the Dark and Bebel Gilberto. Tickets are currently available online, with more artists set to be announced soon.

The Music of David Byrne and Talking Heads marks the 11th charity tribute concert organized by City Winery owner Michael Dorf, with all the proceeds benefiting music education programs for underprivileged youth. According to a statement, the concerts have already helped net over $1 million for groups like Young Audiences New York, Little Kids Rock, Church Street School of Music, Mr. Holland’s Opus and Grammy in the Schools.

Artist who have received tributes in the past include Prince, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Neil Young, R.E.M., the Who, the Rolling Stones and most recently, Paul Simon. This April’s tribute to Simon boasted performances from a wide array of artists including R&B vet Bettye Lavette (who sang “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”), Hüsker Dü co-founder Bob Mould (“Fakin’ It”) and Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo, who closed the main set with “You Can Call Me Al.”

The upcoming tribute to Byrne and Talking Heads will also mark the fourth time the Roots have participated in one of Dorf’s Carnegie Hall concerts. The Tonight Show house band previously took the stage for tributes to Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Prince, acting as the house band during the Prince event.