A one-hour CBS special, “Play On: Celebrating the Power of Music to Make Change,” will feature sets from Andra Day, Bon Jovi, The Highwomen, MGK, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow and many more in support of the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. and WhyHunger.
The show, which will air at 9:00 p.m. ET, will be hosted by SixDegrees.org founder Kevin Bacon and rapper Eve, with sets from New York, Nashville and Los Angeles.
Also available via livestream on YouTube at 1:00 a.m. ET, the event aimed at amplifying awareness for “transformational racial, social and food justice” will allow viewers to donate to the organizations by texting the code “PLAYON” to 44-321.
Other acts slated to participate include Gary Clark Jr., Ziggy Marley, a tribute to the roots of hip-hop featuring Slick Rick and Snoop Dogg, Jon Batiste and Yola.
“2020 has been an immensely challenging year and many have turned to music as a great source of comfort, hope and strength,” said co-host Kevin Bacon in a statement. “I am so thrilled to be teaming up my philanthropic organization Six Degrees with the respected producers and artists who have signed on for this remarkable night of music to help amplify these important issues and bring some much-needed joy through music.”
“I’m so excited to be joining Kevin Bacon in co-hosting CBS’ PLAY ON television special this coming December! It’s been a really challenging year for everyone, and it’s time we continue to support social, environmental, racial and economic justice with the help of WhyHunger, NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund and SixDegrees.org,” added Eve in a statement. “Also supporting iconic music venues from New York City, Nashville, Los Angeles and myself hosting live from London! I can’t wait to raise money, make a change, and bring people some really incredible live music”
In addition to Bacon, the show’s other executive producers include fashion designer John Varvatos, Rock the Bells founder and CEO LL Cool J, CBS This Morning anchor Anthony Mason and benefit concert producers Greg Williamson and Nicole Rechter. Grammy-winning musician and producer Steve Jordan is the show’s music director. Among the other sponsors are: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Hard Rock International and the Ford Foundation; for a full list click here.