August 7, 2001 International Concert Series Launched to Support the FAO/UN Global Anti-Hunger CampaignR.E.M., Michael Franti & Spearhead, Pearl Jam, Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews, Femi Kuti, Emmylou Harris, Mana, Wallflowers, Blind Boys of Alabama, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, Artis the Spoonman and Many More to PerformSeattle, WA - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations announced today Groundwork 2001, the first-ever North American TeleFood event as part of its ongoing global campaign against world hunger. Groundwork 2001 is a weeklong celebration of community and concerts that will take place in Seattle, Washington from October 14-22. A host of world-renowned musicians are donating their time and talent in support of these events, which attack the problem of world hunger with a decidedly different slant. By providing people with seeds, livestock, and tools ranging from plows and ice boxes to silos, irrigation systems and other farming implements, Groundwork 2001 aims to empower the poor to sustainably grow and produce their own food through projects that make a lasting difference. "Over 800 million people suffer from chronic hunger in this world. Hunger diminishes individuals and societies. It robs people of their ability to fulfill their individual potential. Our objective is not to give people food, but the means to grow it for themselves, to achieve their own food security and become independent of aid," FAO Director-General, Jacques Diouf explains. As with all TeleFood events, net proceeds from Groundwork 2001 will be distributed by FAO to small-scale farming and food production projects around the world. Over 1000 TeleFood projects are being implemented at the village level in more than 100 countries, benefiting women and small farm communities in rural areas of poor countries, where 70% of the world's hungry live. From fish-smoking in Mali to beekeeping in Samoa, these projects provide a long-term increase of food and income. "The first casualty of hunger is hope. And the most subversive act you can perform is on behalf of someone's sense of hope. It's shameful how little it really takes to help, and how easily we are all discouraged from doing so. Groundwork has opened a door for a lot of us to do something meaningful and it's criminal not to walk through it," says Madonna, Honorary Chair of the Groundwork 2001 Advisory Committee Across the United States and around the world, people can participate in the Seattle Groundwork 2001 events by viewing a global satellite television broadcast and by visiting the event Web site and virtual stadium at www.groundwork2001.org. In addition to the concerts, a benefit CD entitled Groundwork-act to reduce hunger, will be released in October at all Hear Music/Starbucks locations in the US and Canada, as well as online. The CD includes previously unreleased material donated by Madonna, Tom Waits, Moby, David Gray, Sheryl Crow, Joe Henry, and many others. All net proceeds from the sale of each CD will go toward funding TeleFood projects. "I deeply believe that these concerts will re-ignite and enlarge the constituency to end world hunger - not by food aid, but by growing food. We are helping families escape the pain of hunger and the grief of poverty in a way that empowers them and gives them a sense of pride. The result of accomplishing just these few things is unimaginably profound and positive," says chief Groundwork 2001 organizer, Jack Healey. Groundwork 2001 will also help build momentum toward FAO's World Food Summit - Five Years Later, which is scheduled for Rome, Italy from November 5-9, 2001. This year's Summit will review progress made since the World Food Summit in 1996, when world leaders committed themselves to cutting by half the number of hungry people by 2015. TeleFood is one of many FAO initiatives to reduce world hunger since the 1996 Summit. It is an annual public awareness and fundraising campaign of broadcasts, concerts and other events. Since its inception in 1997, TeleFood events have reached global audiences of several hundred million people in 80 countries. Events have been staged from Egypt's Pyramids to Jamaica to the Vatican. Donations have mobilized more than eight million dollars. Groundwork 2001 is being made possible in part by support from its primary contributor, Adobe Systems, Incorporated. This year's effort represents a unique partnership between the U.S.-based IT sector and FAO. Seattle-based Experience Music Project is producing all Groundwork 2001 concerts. For more information about Groundwork 2001, TeleFood and FAO, including ticket information, please go to www.groundwork2001.org. FAO was founded in 1945 with the mandate to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations. Groundwork 2001 is organized by USTF2001, LLC. The United States Committee for FAO is dedicated to support FAO's mandate to help people throughout the world to feed themselves. Groundwork 2001 concert schedule with complete artist line-up to date. Groundwork 2001 - Schedule of Events Sunday, October 14 - The Paramount Theatre Wednesday, October 17 - Experience Music Project's Sky Church Thursday, October 18 - Experience Music Project's Sky Church Friday, October 19 - Experience Music Project's Sky Church Saturday, October 20 - Experience Music Project's Sky Church Monday, October 22 - Key Arena Tickets available through Ticketmaster * Artist billing order for each night is tentative |
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