November 13, 2002 — Australian rock band INXS and disco legend Gloria Gaynor will be among the acts performing at the "Benefit for Bali" concert that will be held in the Manhattan Center's Grand Ballroom on Tuesday, November 19. Other artists include American musicians Jill Gioia and Jeffrey Gaines and Australian singer/songwriter Hugh Wilson. Australian directing and design team Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin will be presenters during the evening and television personality Gordon Elliott will MC. Indigenous artist Cameron McCarthy will perform an Aboriginal mourning song.

On October 12, terrorists detonated bombs outside crowded restaurants and nightclubs in the Bali town of Kuta. The blasts and ensuing fires killed over 180 people and injured many more. The victims came from over 20 countries, confirmed deaths include: 64 Australians, 11 Indonesians, 15 British and 5 Americans. Scores still are missing while many of the injured remain in critical condition in hospitals around the region.

All performers participating in the "Benefit for Bali" have donated their talents to raise funds to help survivors of the attacks as well as the families of those who lost their lives. Proceeds from the "Benefit for Bali" will go towards the Australia Bali Relief Fund. The Fund was established to provide a way that residents of the United States can directly help those affected by this tragedy. Donations to the Fund are being collected through the American Red Cross and forwarded to the Australian Red Cross which will administer the Fund.

The benfit will take place at the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center, 311 West 34th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues), NYC. Tickets are $50 general, $150 VIP and can be purchased from Manhattan Center Box Office: (212) 485-1534, 311 West 34th Street (bet 8th & 9th) or http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or (212) 307-7171

For details on the Australia Bali Relief Fund: http://www.australianyc.org/Bali/bali_fund.htm

Corporations and individuals supporting the "Benefit for Bali" (as of Nov. 12, 2002): QANTAS Airways, Lexington Partners, Citigroup, Fosters, Milford Plaza. Penfolds, Rosemount and Lindemans wines courtesy of Southcorp. The Grand Ballroom courtesy of the Manhattan Center.