Gloria Gaynor to headline Vietnam peace show

HANOI, Vietnam (Vietnam Press A.) - Lionel Richie, Gloria Gaynor and Hootie and the Blowfish are among the stars set to perform in Vietnam next month at a UN-backed concert to honour artists who have contributed to world peace.

The careers of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Country Joe McDonald, who were all prominent anti-war campaigners during America's ill-fated involvement in Indochina, will be formally recognised at the June 22 World Peace Music Awards.

Organisers said Wednesday that Country Joe would receive his award in person but they were still waiting to confirm the attendance of Dylan and Baez at the five-hour show at Hanoi's National Stadium.

Baez is synonymous with the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s with her anthem "We Shall Overcome".

Matt Taylor, the show's producer, said the World Peace Music Awards were aimed at "promoting peace throughout the world through music" and honouring the artists at the forefront of this goal.

The late Vietnamese composer, Trinh Cong Son, whose peace song "Lullaby" was a hit in Asia in 1969, will also be honoured. His sister Trinh Vinh will accept the award on his behalf.

American folksingers Peter, Paul and Mary, and Harry Belafonte, the New York City-born actor, author and singer, are the other recipients, but only the former's Peter Yarrow will collect his award in person, Taylor said.

Among the musicians from 25 countries set to perform at the free concert are former Police guitarist Andy Summers, British soprano Sarah Brightman, Thai pop queen Tata Young, Taiwanese diva Ah Mei and Indonesian rockers Slank.
Hollywood action-hero Steven Seagal is also due to attend.

The concert, which will be opened with a message from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, will be televised live around the world.
Parts of the proceeds from merchandise sales will be used to help victims of Agent Orange, the defoliant used by US forces during the Vietnam War.
The first World Peace Music Awards was held last year on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.