Wilco Bassist Organized Fundraiser For Children In N.Y. And Afghanistan

NEW YORK (Top40 Charts) - Wilco bassist John Stirratt and Chicago artist/poet Wesley Kimler have organized an intimate evening of acoustic music, art, and performances to raise money for Working Playground, an organization that provides art therapy for children's healing, and the President's Childrens' Relief Effort in Afghanistan.

The fundraiser, titled The Stolen Child: A Benefit For Children in New York and Afghanistan, will be held Nov. 18 at the Metro in Chicago. Set to perform are Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, Stirratt's side band the Autumn Defense, and other Chicago musicians including Nicholas Tremulus, Eleventh Dream Day, Edith Frost, Yum Yum, and jazz man Mars Williams.

Along with poetry by Kimler and others, there will be a silent auction of art and posters signed by R.E.M., Stevie Nicks, and Chris Isaak.

Meanwhile, major labels are courting Wilco, since the band was booted off of Reprise this summer. The group kicks off its 11-date winter tour on Nov. 23 at the Riviera in Chicago.